Why J&K govt banned pitching tents in Gurez?

The Jammu and Kashmir government has taken a significant step to protect the environment in the popular tourist destination of Gurez. Officials announced a ban on installing temporary tents for overnight stays by tourists and visitors. This decision comes in response to concerns about littering and environmental damage caused by campers.

The local authorities issued an order banning temporary tents that were previously allowed for tourists due to littering and irresponsible behaviour, negatively impacting the environment and potentially causing disease outbreaks.

“This office had allowed the installation of Temporary Tents by Tourists/Visitors for night stay vide this office order No:-SDM/G/2024/245-49 Dated:-28-05-2024 subject to the condition that they will not litter the place and keep the site neat and clean. It has however been observed that the tourists/visitors installing tents overnight leave the thrash and Garbage at the camping site which has impacted the environment of this Sub-division and can lead to outbreak of disease,” reads the order of SDM Gurez, A copy of the order which lies with Ground Report.

The government decided to implement immediate measures to protect the delicate ecosystem. Starting from Monday, July 15, 2024, there will be a complete ban on tourists installing personal tents. However, rented tents can continue to operate if they keep the sites clean and pay a sanitation fee to the Rural Sanitation Department for waste collection.

This ban marks a significant shift from the previous situation in Gurez and other areas along the Line of Control (LoC). In recent years, places like Gurez, Keran, Bangus, Tangdhar, and Uri have transformed from cross-border shelling hotspots to popular tourist destinations due to the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, allowing these areas to develop their tourism potential, attracting nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Tent accommodations are popular among tourists in Kashmir, offering a unique experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a comfortable stay. These well-equipped tents provide an alternative to traditional hotels, promoting sustainable tourism and minimizing ecological impact.

The surge in tourism has brought challenges, particularly waste management and environmental preservation. Local residents report significant waste being thrown by tourists, especially along the banks of the Kishanganga River. The river, once uncontaminated, now faces pollution from solid waste and sewage.

Tourists have complained about the lack of basic amenities, particularly the absence of proper dustbins. Some visitors carry their waste back, but others thoughtlessly discard litter, including plastic bottles and food waste. Young campers often leave behind bottles and trash after parties and campfires.

The lack of a solid waste management system in the region threatens pollution in tourist zones. Plastic waste is disposed of haphazardly, ending up in villages and water bodies.

Environmental experts suggest that while solid waste management is a significant challenge, tourists and trekkers can take small steps, like carrying their plastic waste and food packet wrappers, to ensure the cleanliness of natural trails.

The government's decision to ban temporary tents aims to address issues and preserve the beauty of Gurez and similar areas. It highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to sustainable tourism development in the region.