SRINAGAR: The Department of Tourism celebrated World Environment Day today as a pledge to preserve the fragile ecosystem and environment at the tourist destinations for safe and responsible tourism.
The main feature of these functions today was the active involvement of stakeholders viz hoteliers, tour operators and service providers who participated in the cleanliness drives, awareness programmes and other related activities.
The main functions in this regard were held at Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Chinar Bagh and Zabarwan Park in Srinagar, Yousmarg and Doodpathri and Ahrabal.
At Pahalgam, Director, Tourism, Kashmir, Dr. G N Itoo and MD, JK Cable Car Corporation, Majid Khalil Drabu led the cleanliness drive at Aru road opposite Deer Park. They also launched the plantation drive at the tourist destination.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Tourism said the Department with the support of tourism stakeholders has embarked on a mission to preserve the fragile ecology at tourist destinations and observing eco friendly norms and conducting responsible tourism. He said by preserving the fragile ecology of tourist destinations we not only protect the livelihood of service providers but also preserve these green gifts for our future generations.
Dr. Itoo urged upon all visitors, other locals visiting this spot to ensure that no garbage of any kind particularly plastic material is thrown on the pastures of this beautiful spot. He said from today cleanliness of this place will be strictly maintained as garbage of any kind shall be routinely collected, lifted and dumped and destroyed at designated spots.
At Gulmarg, sanitation drive was carried within the bowl besides a plantation drive and cycle ride at the tourist destination.
The function was attended by Joint Director, Tourism, Kashmir, Tabassum Kamili, CEO, GDA, Inam ul Haq Siddiqui, SDM, Gulmarg, representatives of Hoteliers and other service providers.
At Sonmarg, a massive Cleanliness drive was today organized in the meadows of Sonamarg.
The drive was flagged off by the CEO, Sonmarg Development Authority, Mushtaq Ahmad Rather along with Deputy Director Tourism, Registration. The drive was carried from the SDA office and went through the Sonamarg market, bus stand and Fish Point.
Employees of SDA, Hotelier Association Sonamarg, Shopkeepers and locals participated in the drive and collected the waste including polythene, plastic bags and plastic bottles from these places which was later dumped for proper disposal in a Solid Waste Management Plant installed at Sarbal Sonamarg.
Speaking on the occasion, the speakers said that to commemorate the special day, the Department is organizing various programs throughout the valley with an objective to encourage awareness and enhance commitment towards ecosystem restoration which has been degraded by deforestation, pollution, and other human activities.

KR Desk