Preserve J&K’s eco-fragile tourist destinations

Undoubtedly, tourism is one of the mainstays of J&K’s economy, however, the sector shouldn’t flourish at the cost of the environment. We have to understand that it’s the natural beauty of tourist destinations which attracts tourists. We have to respect the carrying capacity of tourist destinations. Instead of making concrete jungles, we have to go for eco-tourism measures to save tourist destinations from destruction.

Most of the tourist destinations in Kashmir especially Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Patnitop and Doodhpathri are facing immense environmental degradation due to unregulated tourist flow. The problem gets compounded in absence of proper garbage collection and its scientific disposal.
However, there is a silver lining. It is heartening that Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo directed the Tourism Development Authorities (TDAs) of the UT to ensure proper management of respective tourist destinations.

The Chief Secretary took serious notice of the violations happening in tourist destinations due to illegal constructions in blatant violation of the Master Plan. He stressed on the concerned authorities to have close vigil over their jurisdictions for strict enforcement of rules and necessary action against the violators. He also directed for demarcation of lands coming under their jurisdictions forthwith to ensure zero violations in these areas.
There is a need to put in place proper solid waste management and sewage disposal in tourist destinations to prevent damage to the environment. We have many tourism development authorities—Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Patnitop, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, Bhaderwah, Surinsar-Mansar, Bani-Basholi, Lolab-Bangus, Aharbal, Kishtwar, Kokernag, Poonch, Rajouri, Tosamaidan, Shopian-Peer kind Gali, Wullar-Manasbal, Billawar-Duggan, Verinag and Yusmarg.
The three premier authorities including Patnitop Development Authority, Pahalgam Development Authority and Gulmarg Development Authority are being chaired by the Lieutenant Governor. The Chief Secretary is the Chairman for the rest of the 18 authorities. Lieutenant Governor of J&K Manoj Sinha has been making all efforts to promote the Union Territory as a preferred eco tourist destination. The Chief Secretary has rightly passed a slew of directions to protect these eco-fragile tourist destinations.

The deteriorating condition of the famous ski-resort Gulmarg in north Kashmir should serve as an eye-opener to us. Increasing number of visitors and vehicles to Gulmarg triggers rise in temperature causing rapid snow melt off and avalanches in winter.A study has shown that there is rise in Black Carbon levels in Gulmarg in winter due to massive footfall of visitors, vehicles, snowmobiles, All Terrain Vehicles and wood and biomass burning for heating purposes.

Increase in number of visitors to especially to Sonamarg and Pahalgam are bound to spell doom on glaciers. Thajiwas glacier in Sonamarg is retreating fast and collapsing frequently in the last several years.
Black carbon emissions have been traced in Kolahoi glacier which has lost almost 23 percent of its area since 1962 and fragmented into smaller parts. Kolhai glacier feeds Lidder river which is one of the main sources of river Jhelum considered to be the lifeline of Kashmir. In the last over a decade, the average mass balance of the glacier has increased recently. Kolahai is losing mass at the rate of about 1.0 m water equivalent annually, which is significantly higher than the glaciers in the rest of the Himalayas.

Despite the ban, there is no measure to stop the use of polythene in tourist destinations. This leads to choking and pollution of streams and canals. In absence of regulation, tourist vehicles are allowed to drive in eco-sensitive zones in tourist destinations.
Environmentalists warn that if the carrying capacity of eco-fragile areas is disturbed, damage will be irreparable. Subsequently it results in disasters like flash floods, water shortage and massive waste generation. There is a need to promote eco-tourism to prevent further damage.

Eco-tourism has emerged as one of the most important sectors of the international tourism industry. This form of sustainable tourism has assumed importance as it encourages people to learn and conserve diverse landscapes, wildlife and cultures. We need to promote offbeat tourist destinations like Gurez, Bangus, Karnah, Daksum, Watlab, Lolab, Sinthan top, Doodhpathri, Kangan as eco-tourist spots to lessen the burden of popular tourist destinations.
Blessed with its unique landscape, cultural diversity and heritage value, J&K can become one of the leaders of Eco-Tourism. It has natural places, lush green forests, springs, rivers, lakes, wetlands, pleasant weather, and diversity of culture. Kashmir has immense potential for golf and adventure tourism. Without nature, J&K is nothing. It is high time to join hands to preserve tourists destinations of Jammu and Kashmir for future generations.

Author is Executive Editor, Greater Kashmir.