I will be leaving Kashmir soon after one month, seeing the natural wonders of this State as well as meeting and loving the basic nature of the people. There is also for me a sense of spirituality, although I am not a religious person, I am one who feels connected to all within our Universe. 
Yet all of the above is superseded by the basic infrastructure problems. One in particular which I am passionate about is the cleanliness of Kashmir's streets, tourist areas, natural lakes like the Dal. The Dal lake should be pristine as it receives its water from the glaciers on the Himalayas mountains.
Now all are in trouble. I have some humble thoughts which I believe may help to make things better.

Tourism Sector Responsibility & Accountability
Every Shikara, Houseboat, Hotels, Restaurants, Transportations facilities etc. should have the necessary Trash, Basket, or bins available to support this effort. In addition they should also have, in many instances, the availability to fully take care of this trash on their own. 
This is not a government responsibility but one which should be addressed by those who are dependent on the Tourism Industry. It is also the Tourism Industries responsibilities along with others to notify the tourist about the necessities and desirability of keeping Kashmir clean.

People’s Responsibilities
All over the world people are involved in all kind of efforts to be and stay healthy. Cleanliness, which many say is next to godliness, is required for a healthy lifestyle. Why cheat yourself and others by not adhering to these rules. This will require a sense of Social Conscious by all.

Government Accountability and Responsibility 
It will be the government responsibility to arrange to pick up the waste products from the BINS and to eliminate this trash in the most effective and profitable way.

Police Responsibility & Accountability 
As there is a great presence of police and other security agencies in tourist areas it would be appropriate that they take the responsibility for enforcing the rules as regards cleanliness in these areas.

Free Roaming Dogs 
This is a major health & safety problem and must be acted upon as soon as possible.

(Sy Joffe is a travel enthusiast presently working on developing an economic revival model for Jammu & Kashmir and lives in the United States)

Lastupdate on : Tue, 19 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 19 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 20 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST