Tarigami chairs Environment Committee meeting

Srinagar, Jul 23: MLA, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami Thursday chaired a meeting of the Committee on Environment here at Legislative Assembly Complex to assess the implementation of the J&K Eco-Tourism Policy and environmental safeguards across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Legislators Professor Gharu Ram, Dr Sajjad Shafi, Showkat Hussain Ganie and Javaid Riyaz Bedar.
The Committee was apprised that the J&K Eco-Tourism Policy is in the advanced stages of formulation and aims to establish a framework for conservation of natural resources, regulation of tourism activities and promotion of community-based sustainable livelihoods.
The Chairman laid special emphasis on the preparation of destination specific Master plans for all eco tourism destinations in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure planned development, regulation of carrying capacity, scientific waste management and protection of biodiversity.
The Committee directed that these Master Plans be finalized in consultation with the experts, local communities and relevant stakeholders to ensure environmentally sustainable tourism growth across the UT.
The Committee undertook a comprehensive appraisal of major eco-Tourism destinations, revenue trends over the last five years and environmental challenges confronting the sector.
The Chairman reviewed the measures taken to promote eco-friendly tourism, including declaration of tourist and religious destinations as plastic and polythene-free zones.
The Department informed that awareness programmes are being conducted under national campaigns such as Travel for Life: Tourism for Tomorrow and Swachhata Hi Seva. Besides, enforcement mechanisms have been strengthened at destinations like Dodhpathri and Youmarg. He directed all CEOs of Tourism Development Authorities to submit destination-wise details on plastic-free initiatives and its enforcement.
The Committee reviewed environmental compliance by Tourism Development Authorities, the status of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), including proposed mini-STPs, water quality, pollution control, solid waste management, carrying capacity of tourist destinations and implementation of tourism master plans. Particular concern was expressed over environmental issues related to Tawi Golf Club, Jammu, degradation of wetlands and illegal constructions and encroachments in tourist areas. The Committee directed the concerned authorities to submit comprehensive reports and ensure time-bound corrective measures.
The chairman of the committee, M. Y. Tarigami informed that Baldev Raj Sharma, MLA, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Constituency Katra, had submitted a representation highlighting serious environmental concerns in Katra, including the Village Tun, Panchayat Arli Hansali, Katra besides environmental concerns relating 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 Tourism Department and JKPCC were directed to examine the issues and submit detailed reports with remedial measures.
The Committee reviewed the status of encroachments on wetlands, lakes, water bodies and tourism department land. It stressed for protection of environmentally sensitive areas in coordination with the District Administration, Revenue and Police departments. Further, the Committee directed that all cases of unauthorized occupation be monitored regularly and retrieval actions be expedited.
The Committee also examined the preventive and remedial measures undertaken by the Department including installation of waste segregation facilities, scientific waste management, restriction on single-use plastics, promotion of eco-friendly mobility solutions and strengthening community participation in conservation.
Taking cognizance of the incessant rains currently prevailing across Jammu and Kashmir, the Chairman of the Committee directed the Flood & Irrigation Department to take all requisite measures and ensure full preparedness to deal with any emergent situation arising out of continuous rainfall.
Chairman JKPCC, Special Secretary Tourism, Director SKICC, Director Tourism Jammu, CEOs of all Developmental Authorities along with senior officers of the Tourism Department, JKPCC, Tourism Development Authorities and the J&K Legislative Assembly Secretariat attended the meeting.