Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly’s Committee on Environment on Thursday reviewed the implementation of the proposed J&K Eco-Tourism Policy and environmental safeguards across the Union Territory, stressing the need for destination-specific master plans to ensure sustainable tourism development.
The meeting, chaired by Committee Chairman and MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, was attended by legislators Prof Gharu Ram, Dr Sajjad Shafi, Showkat Hussain Ganie and Javaid Riyaz Bedar.
The committee was informed that the J&K Eco-Tourism Policy is in the advanced stages of formulation and seeks to establish a framework for conservation of natural resources, regulation of tourism activities and promotion of community-based sustainable livelihoods.
Emphasising planned development, Tarigami called for the preparation of destination-specific master plans for all eco-tourism destinations in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the plans should focus on regulating carrying capacity, scientific waste management, biodiversity conservation and environmentally sustainable tourism.
The committee directed the Tourism Department to finalise the master plans in consultation with experts, local communities and other stakeholders.
During the meeting, the committee reviewed the status of major eco-tourism destinations, revenue trends over the past five years and key environmental challenges confronting the sector.
The committee also reviewed measures to promote eco-friendly tourism, including the declaration of tourist and religious destinations as plastic- and polythene-free zones. Officials informed the panel that awareness campaigns are being conducted under initiatives such as Travel for Life: Tourism for Tomorrow and Swachhata Hi Seva, while enforcement against plastic use has been strengthened at destinations including Dodhpathri and Yousmarg.
The committee directed the Chief Executive Officers of all Tourism Development Authorities to submit destination-wise reports on plastic-free initiatives and their enforcement.
Members also reviewed environmental compliance by Tourism Development Authorities, the status of sewage treatment plants (STPs), including proposed mini-STPs, water quality, pollution control measures, solid waste management, carrying capacity assessments and implementation of tourism master plans.
The committee expressed concern over environmental issues related to Tawi Golf Club in Jammu, degradation of wetlands and instances of illegal construction and encroachment in tourist areas. It directed the concerned authorities to submit detailed reports and take corrective measures within a stipulated timeframe.
Tarigami informed the meeting that MLA Baldev Raj Sharma had submitted a representation highlighting environmental concerns in Katra, including issues relating to Village Tun in 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 committee directed the Tourism Department and the J&K Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) to examine the issues and submit detailed reports along with remedial measures.
The panel also reviewed the status of encroachments on wetlands, lakes, water bodies and Tourism Department land, stressing the need to protect ecologically sensitive areas in coordination with the district administration, Revenue Department and police. It called for regular monitoring of encroachment cases and expeditious retrieval of government land.
The committee further reviewed measures such as installation of waste segregation facilities, scientific waste management, restrictions on single-use plastics, promotion of eco-friendly mobility solutions and greater community participation in conservation efforts.
Taking note of the ongoing spell of heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir, Tarigami directed the Irrigation and Flood Control Department to remain fully prepared and take all necessary measures to deal with any emergent situation arising from the prevailing weather conditions.