Polythene banned at Valley, Ladakh tourist spots

Srinagar, April 21

The state government has declared tourist destinations and resorts in the Kashmir and Ladakh regions polythene-free zones and banned the use of non-biodegradable plastic at its properties, according to an official order.

By banning polythene, the government aims to achieve sustainable tourism and make tourist destinations in the state eco-friendly.

“In order to make Kashmir division, including Leh and Kargil, polythene-free, it is, hereby, ordered that all tourist units are declared polythene-free zones. The tourist destinations or resorts are also brought under the ambit of no-polythene zones,” read the order issued by Mehmood Shah, Kashmir Tourism Director.

According to the order, the use of polythene and disposable plastic at tourist destinations and properties would lead to cancellation of the operator’s licence.

“Any deviation shall be dealt with strictly. Persistent violation shall warrant cancellation of the registration certificate issued by the tourism department,” it said.

Asked about the order, Shah said the ban was a step towards sustainable tourism and making tourist destinations eco-friendly. “We are moving towards zero tolerance on polythene. We want that solid and liquid waste is properly managed,” Shah said.

He said the department had installed a magnetic waste disintegrator and an auto-composter at the Gulmarg resort to process the biodegradable waste. The disintegrator shreds polythene and converts it into ash. “It has been helpful in processing the waste without causing any harm to the environment,” he said.

Another such disintegrator is to be installed at the Pahalgam resort in south Kashmir within a week.

Shah said the department had banned use of polythene and nonbiodegradable plastic at its meetings and events. “Only mineral water bottles remain. A local company is coming up with glass bottles so that we can replace plastic bottles,” he said. – PTI

Eco-friendly step

* According to the order issued by Mehmood Shah, Kashmir Tourism Director, the use of polythene and disposable plastic at tourist destinations and properties would lead to cancellation of the operator’s licence

* By banning polythene, the government aims to achieve sustainable tourism and make tourist destinations in the state eco-friendly