Uncontrolled littering plagues Kashmir’s Great Lakes trek

Sonamarg, Aug 7: Kashmir brings to mind endless mountains, meadows and valleys – crisscrossed by streams and adorned with pristine emerald lakes.

This is how it is – but not for long.

Unfortunately, people have this talent for destroying beauty with impunity and utter carelessness.

Thousands of mountain and adventure enthusiasts go for trekking expeditions, however, this adventure is leading to an environmental impact as a significant amount of waste is thrown in open spaces. According to some visitors, a huge amount of waste, mostly plastic can be seen littered along Kashmir’s Great Lakes trek.

They said that with a huge footfall of trekkers, uncontrolled littering has made ugly sights of the otherwise pristine meadow.

The Kashmir’s Great Lakes trek, a journey that stands out for its unique features, is a trek that speaks for itself.

Its name alone evokes images of breathtaking beauty and adventure.

Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, this trek offers a one-of-a-kind experience that will imprint unforgettable memories.

The pristine lakes and snow-capped mountains are a sight to behold and their tranquillity and majesty leave one in awe.

The trek is an opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of Kashmir and create memories that will last a lifetime.

However, the increasing plastic pollution along the trek has disheartened many and raised concerns about its impact on the environment and climate.

Raja Parvaiz, a social activist, said that the piles of waste, particularly plastic, are a concern and unfortunate.

“Unfortunately, Kashmir’s Great Lakes are facing disastrous pollution through the plastic as trekkers take huge quantities of polythene with them and throw them in the open,” he said. “Even the lakes are drying day by day due to huge and unregulated footfall.”

Parvaiz suggested that there should be a complete ban on using plastic on the trek and using washrooms and campings (tents) near the lakes.

Aijaz Ahmed, a trekking guide said that the trek to Kashmir’s Great Lakes is so beautiful that it attracts many trekkers and adventurers.

“People camp there and enjoy the beauty but leave their mark before departing. The growing garbage pile, thanks to the new-found love for trekking to remote and challenging locations across the Himalayas, is a threat to the ecosystem. No doubt, people are getting adventurous but as more of them take to trekking, they leave behind a long trail of plastic and other trash, spelling a catastrophe,” he said.

The environment activists said that the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department is not paying attention to this issue.

They said that the Tourism Department has deputed only one employee at Sonamarg who is responsible for permitting the trekkers.

They said that the department is charging Rs 500 per person while permitting them.

“The Tourism Department has failed to provide any facilities including sanitation along the trek,” they said.