We appealed to the government and civil society to pay immediate attention to these issues and implement our suggestions in larger interest of the environment and local society.

Pahalgam September 01,2017: The Aru.Lidderwatt,Lidderwat Satlaj, Kolhai,  Lidderwatt Tarsar, Marsar ,Thajiwas and Sonamarg trek routes are increasingly getting contaminated and irreparably damaged by accumulation of plastic, polythene and other non-biodegradable waste dumped along the way by international domestic and regional tourists and campers. The government esp wildlife department pahalgam development authority PDA  and tourism department needs to evolve immediate and stringent measures to contain the same Heaps of garbage can be seen piling on the route, which the Pahalgam Development Authority, Tourism and Wildlife departments must bring back immediately. Kolahoi glacier which is further up on the route has also severely receded because of these insensitive practices and non-serious attitude of the authorities. Similar piles of garbage can be also be seen on the Amarnath route and camps and need to be similarly cleared by the Shrine Board, Pahalgam Development Authority and Tourism Department  with a sense of immediate concern. A substantial security deposit amount must be collected from yatries,tourists and hikers on this route and the number of poly-bags etc. they are carrying must be recorded. Anybody who does not bring the non biodegradable stuff back must be punished by confiscating his/her security deposit. Civil society and government Patrol groups must also frequent the trek route to check and stop anybody lighting camp fires on the trek.  Aru Lidderwatt, Lidderwatt Satlaj, Kolhai, Lidderwatt Tarsar Marsar and other trekking treks is one of the most important, scenic and challenging treks in the region and must be taken good care of. Neglecting the pressing concerns of ecologically sensitive regions such as these can not only cause subsequent closure of these treck routes but may also lead to climate change in the surrounding regions.

We appealed to the government and civil society to pay immediate attention to these issues and implement our suggestions in larger interest of the environment and local society.

Mushtaq Pahalgami,
Himalayan Welfare Organization-HWO