Tee off on Toxic Turf: Kashmir's Royal Springs Golf Course battles pollution

Srinagar, Nov 13: At a time when the government is actively promoting golf tourism, the Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC), widely regarded as one of the most beautiful courses in India, has fallen victim to a severe pollution problem emanating from a nearby milk processing plant.

According to golfers, the dairy plant's untreated waste has been flowing directly into the golf course, particularly affecting Hole 14 and Hole 5, creating an unbearable stench and disrupting the natural habitat of the course's diverse flora and fauna.

"This pollution has not only marred the golfing experience for visitors but also poses a grave threat to the delicate ecological balance," said a golfer who wished anonymity.

"It's ironic that the Pollution Control Board has failed to take cognisance of this issue despite repeated complaints from the golf course management," lamented a regular golfer at Royal Springs. "The government must take swift action to protect our environment and preserve the beauty of RSGC."

According to officials, the water bodies within the golf course, which have historically been home to a thriving population of migratory birds, have now been adversely impacted by the polluted runoff from the milk plant.

"This is causing great damage to the Course and also causes air and water pollution in and around the Golf Course," he said. "The authorities need to understand the severity of this issue and act immediately to address it."

"The ecological damage extends beyond the golf course, as the waste from the milk plant ultimately finds its way into the nearby Dal Lake, one of Kashmir's most iconic water bodies."

Distressing reports emerged last summer of large fish, weighing up to 10 kilograms, dying due to the poisonous effluents, further exacerbating the environmental crisis.

The Royal Springs Golf Course management has been persistently raising this issue with the Pollution Control Board, the Industries Department, and various other government agencies, but their pleas for action have largely fallen on deaf ears.

"We have taken up the matter with the pollution control board, the industries department, and several other authorities about the waste emanating from the milk plant. They have recently done some cleaning work, but it is not sufficient."

Secretary, RSGC, Ghalib Mohi-ud-Din while acknowledging the problem said “We have taken up the issue with the management of the milk plant as well as the government level."

The Royal Springs Golf Course is widely recognised as one of the most beautiful public golf courses in Asia. Perched near the famed Chashme Shahi and offering a spectacular view of the iconic Dal Lake, this course embodies the serene yet striking beauty of Kashmir.

Opened in 2001, the course was designed by the renowned American golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr, whose vision was to blend challenging gameplay with enchanting natural landscapes unique to the region.

An 18-hole, par-72 course stretching approximately 6,387 meters (or 6,985 yards) from the back tees, Royal Springs provides a thrilling experience for players of all levels. Its challenging layout features a variety of natural and crafted hazards, including lakes and bunkers, which demand precision and skill from golfers while enhancing the beauty of each hole. Wide fairways, ranging from 50 to 60 meters, offer an impressive array of long and short shots, with hole lengths varying between 160 and 530 meters.

Set against the breath-taking Zabarwan mountains, the course is a marvel of landscape design and architectural finesse. Royal Springs features several thoughtfully incorporated amenities, including three lakes, two marshes, practice fairways, rain shelters, comfort stations, a clubhouse, and an extensive 8.5-kilometer cart path. The facilities not only support a memorable golfing experience but also encourage relaxation and appreciation of the natural surroundings.