Sahil Manzoor Bhatti
Kashmir is truly one of the most astonishing places in the world. Every year, people travel from far and wide to experience its beauty for recreation, research, trekking, winter sports, trade, and many other purposes. The Kashmir Valley is not merely a place on the globe; it is a priceless treasure blessed with breathtaking landscapes, magnificent mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and world-famous Mughal gardens such as Nishat Garden, Shalimar Garden, Pari Mahal, and Verinag.
Every corner of Kashmir offers a unique fragrance of nature. The cool breeze touching our cheeks, the lush vegetation, and the peaceful surroundings create an atmosphere that is both captivating and unforgettable. Anyone visiting Kashmir for the first time is likely to feel as though they have stepped into a dream.
The valley remains beautiful throughout the year. Its pleasant climate, majestic mountains of the Peer Panjal Range, sparkling streams, and scenic meadows make it one of the world’s most attractive tourist destinations. Kashmir’s warm hospitality has earned admiration from visitors across the globe. Tourists leave with unforgettable memories, photographs, and stories to share with their loved ones. Every season—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—adds a unique charm to the valley and contributes greatly to the tourism sector.
Despite this natural paradise, I am deeply concerned about the way we are harming our own homeland. Pollution has become one of the greatest threats to the sustainable future of Kashmir. Unfortunately, many people believe that development means constructing more roads, large buildings, and hotels. While infrastructure is important, true development should never come at the cost of our environment. Development should improve the quality of life while protecting nature for future generations.
As a resident of Raiyar–Ich, Doodhpathri, I have witnessed these changes over the past fifteen years. Our village has increasingly suffered from air, water, noise, and soil pollution. There is no proper solid waste management system, and many people dispose of waste into nearby canals. This pollutes our water bodies and increases the risk of diseases such as hepatitis and other water-borne illnesses.
Before it is too late, we must educate and encourage local communities, especially those living near tourist destinations, to adopt proper waste disposal practices. We must keep our beautiful destinations clean, green, and free from environmental hazards. Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility.
Development is meaningful only when it benefits society without destroying nature. It should be sustainable and continue serving generations to come. Development should not be measured solely by economic gains but by how well we preserve our natural heritage. Let us educate the younger generation, inspire them to care for nature, and work together to keep Kashmir clean and beautiful.
I conclude with a poem dedicated to my beloved homeland.
My Charming Kashmir
Oh, my Kashmir, oh my crown,
Why in the pleasant month of June
Do you still look so brown?
I love the summer, I long for heat,
Yet your valleys remain incomplete.
You are my pride, you are my crown,
Then why, dear Kashmir, do you look so brown?
My lofty mountains still feel cool,
My meadows remain beneath winter’s rule.
I yearn for greenery, fresh and fair,
And gentle breezes in the air.
Oh, my Kashmir, oh my crown,
Why do you still look so brown?
This is truth and not a myth,
You are unique, with beauty rich.
You are charming, you are alluring,
Your timeless grace is so enduring.
I seek your charm, I seek your beauty,
Your splendour is my heart’s duty.
Oh, my Kashmir, oh my crown,
Why do you still look so brown?
People travel thousands of miles,
To find your peace and wear your smiles.
They come to ease their weary minds,
Leaving anxiety and fatigue behind.
Yet I worry when summer turns white,
As pollen fills the air in sight.
I fear the dust that may surround
The beauty for which you are renowned.
Oh, my Kashmir, oh my crown,
Why do you still look so brown?
(The author is a freelancer and can be reached at [email protected])
