Kashmir known as Paradise on Earth bestowed with scenicbeauty attracts people at local, national and international levels to gainpeace of mind. Recreational activities have gained impetus at local level;Kashmirs. especially on holidays, plan outings with friends and family to hillstations such as Aharbal, Pahalgam, Kokernag, Verinag etc.
Unfortunately the visit to any scenic spot begins byspending on junk food. People visiting the places start routine behavior bypurchasing soft drinks, chips and ice-cream, without noticing the small silentkillers behind them. The aforementioned items are consumed without taking careof environment. After reaching thedestination the routine exercise starts by finding a neat and clean spot tospread the carpet bought from home by arranging the items and leaving the placefilthy.
The process is followed by purchasing “Bag of Happiness”either from home or local markets. The People consume junk food and dispose offplastic waste without using dustbins installed by the concerned authorities.Silent killers are spread on ground everywhere. In comparison we use tomaintain a hygienic atmosphere at our homes by cleaning surroundings, usingdustbins. Outside people dispose off household waste even in water bodies.Traditionally canals provided drinking water and now they have become dumpingyards.
As sun starts to set the hill stations start crying: “pleasetake your belongings back”. But visitors leave the place without reflecting anysense of social responsibility. Consuming junk foods may have health issues,but they are directly affecting our present and future generations. Smallplastic covers and plastic bottles remain littered over ground.
On inquiring about the negligence, local shopkeepers blameconcerned departments by saying that from last 4 to 5 days nobody has cleanedthe place, official in charge talks about outsourcing of cleanliness drive. Butthe fact is that nothing moves and the place is still covered with plasticwaste. We, the people of Kashmir have lost the sense of social responsibility,enjoying nature is everybody’s right but we as humans forget about ourresponsibilities in keeping our surroundings neat and clean.
The problem needs an immediate attention from authorities.This can be done by banning sale of plastic items at hill stations. People canresort to native cuisine. We all need to encourage sustainable tourism.