Tarigami Calls for Destination-Specific Master Plans to Drive Sustainable Eco-Tourism in J&K
Srinagar, July 23: MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Committee on Environment at the Legislative Assembly Complex to review the implementation of environmental safeguards and the progress on the proposed Jammu and Kashmir Eco-Tourism Policy.
The meeting was attended by Legislators Prof. Gharu Ram, Dr. Sajjad Shafi, Showkat Hussain Ganie and Javaid Riyaz Bedar, along with senior officials from the Tourism Department, Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC), Tourism Development Authorities and the Legislative Assembly Secretariat.
The Committee was informed that the J&K Eco-Tourism Policy is in the advanced stages of formulation and is aimed at creating a comprehensive framework for conservation of natural resources, regulation of tourism activities and promotion of sustainable, community-based livelihoods.
Chairing the meeting, Tarigami stressed the need for preparing destination-specific master plans for all eco-tourism destinations across Jammu and Kashmir to ensure planned development, scientific waste management, protection of biodiversity and regulation of carrying capacity.
The Committee directed the authorities to finalise these master plans in consultation with experts, local communities and other stakeholders to ensure environmentally sustainable tourism development across the Union Territory.
The meeting also reviewed the performance of major eco-tourism destinations, revenue trends over the past five years and key environmental challenges affecting the sector. It assessed measures taken to promote eco-friendly tourism, including the declaration of tourist and religious destinations as plastic- and polythene-free zones.
Officials informed the Committee that awareness campaigns are being conducted under national initiatives such as Travel for Life: Tourism for Tomorrow and Swachhata Hi Seva, while enforcement mechanisms have been strengthened at destinations including Doodhpathri and Yousmarg. The Committee directed all Chief Executive Officers of Tourism Development Authorities to submit destination-wise reports on the implementation and enforcement of plastic-free initiatives.
The Committee reviewed environmental compliance by Tourism Development Authorities, including the status of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and proposed mini-STPs, water quality, pollution control measures, solid waste management, carrying capacity assessments and implementation of tourism master plans.
Expressing concern over environmental issues related to Tawi Golf Club, degradation of wetlands, illegal constructions and encroachments in tourist areas, the Committee directed the concerned departments to submit comprehensive reports and ensure time-bound corrective action.
Tarigami also informed the Committee that MLA Baldev Raj Sharma had submitted a representation highlighting serious environmental concerns in the Katra area, including issues relating to Village Tun, Panchayat Arli Hansali, the Shalimar Park Water Filtration Plant, water tanker filling stations at Chamba and Jhajjar, the proposed Inter Modal Station (IMS), and illegal dumping of waste along the Katra–Reasi Road. The Tourism Department and JKPCC were directed to examine the issues and submit detailed reports along with remedial measures.
The Committee further reviewed the status of encroachments on wetlands, lakes, water bodies and Tourism Department land, stressing the need for coordinated action with the District Administration, Revenue and Police departments to protect environmentally sensitive areas. It also called for regular monitoring of unauthorised occupations and expeditious retrieval of encroached land.
The meeting examined preventive and remedial measures undertaken by the departments, including installation of waste segregation facilities, scientific waste management, restrictions on single-use plastics, promotion of eco-friendly mobility solutions and enhanced community participation in conservation efforts.
Taking note of the ongoing spell of heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir, Tarigami directed the Flood & Irrigation Department to remain fully prepared and take all necessary measures to deal with any emergency arising from the prevailing weather conditions. ANB
