Amid Huge Rush of Visitors, Plastic Waste Poses Serious Threat to Kokernag’s Simthantop

By Sameer Ahmad

Anantnag ,July03: Despite a ban on plastic and polythene usage in tourist places in Jammu and Kashmir, the tourist spot Simthantop in Kokernag, Anantnag District, is struggling with proper garbage disposal mechanisms.

The Kokernag Development Authority (KDA) has not adequately addressed the cleanliness of this tourist destination, resulting in Simthantop turning into a dumping ground.Sources report that heaps of plastic waste are visible in Simthantop Kokernag. Both locals and visitors are littering the high-altitude mountain, where waste decomposition is slow due to freezing temperatures.A visitor to PTK remarked that the tourist destination needs proper supervision and control of emissions, waste disposal, and maintenance of hygiene.This summer season, Simthantop, along with popular destinations like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg, has been one of the most visited spots by tourists from both regional and outside states. However, at the top of Simthantop, there are glaciers that feed the Bringi rivulets, and the KDA’s absence has led to increased littering by visitors.In response to the situation, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kokernag, Suhail Ahmad, told the Press Trust of Kashmir (PTK) that he has directed KDA officials to send a team to clean the litter and appealed to visitors to keep such tourist places neat and clean. He also instructed that the plastic waste be removed by the evening.