Plastic, ATVs scar pristine Daksum

Daksum, Aug 6: Located at an altitude of 8000 feet in south Kashmir, Daksum is a picturesque retreat framed by the mighty Panjal range, lush coniferous forests, and rolling meadows.

Over the last few years, the destination has witnessed a significant rise in tourist footfall. However, the influx has also led to an increase in plastic and other waste littering the area, raising concerns about environmental degradation.

Scores of unregulated makeshift shops and stalls allowed to run in the forested landscape are blamed for contributing to the degradation of the area.

Additionally, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) have been permitted to run through this ecologically fragile zone.

Concerned residents and environmentalists have raised concerns over the lack of regulation and tourism infrastructure in the area.

“These vehicles and shops are ruining the peace and natural beauty of this place. Earlier, people came here for the calm and clean environment. Now, it feels more like a crowded market than a forest,” said Bashir Ahmad of Kokernag.

Muhammad Anees, an environmentalist, said that the use of plastic was strictly prohibited in ecologically sensitive areas.

“Allowing ATVs in these zones threatens wildlife habitats, accelerates soil erosion, and disrupts the natural ecosystem,” he said.

Anees said that unregulated tourism activities, including unchecked vehicle movement, put immense pressure on the fragile ecosystem.

CEO Kokernag Development Authority, Muhammad Rouf Rehman, told Greater Kashmir that food facilities were important for the tourists.

“Arrangements for cleanliness have been made,” he said.

Regarding the ATVs, Rehman said that similar facilities were available at other locations.

However, on August 1, 2025, in a letter addressed to the Range Officer Daksum, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Anantnag, Muhammad Ashraf Kattoo, expressed concern over the unregulated construction of sheds, shops, and the operation of ATVs in the forest area of the tourist destination.

Citing previous communications with the Tehsildar Larnoo and the Chief Executive Officer of the Kokernag Development Authority, the DFO reiterated that ATV services were not permissible within demarcated forests, as the “activity is non-forestry in nature and attracts provisions of the Forest Conservation Act”.

The letter clarified that ATVs may only operate on metalled roads and directed officials to take dissuasive measures to protect the ecological integrity of the area.