Save environment, J

Srinagar, July 8 (UNI) The Environment Committee of Jammu and Kashmir legislators which met here today discussed various aspects relating to environment and pollution control and measures taken by various agencies in this regard.

The Committee, presided over by National Conference (NC) chief whip Mubarak Gul, also urged the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board to 'preserve' the environment in world famous tourist spots of Pahalgam and Sonamarg.

The Committee opined that the ban imposed for use of polythene bags should be enforced in letter and spirit in all tourist resorts, including the Pahalgam-Shri Amarnath Cave route.

The Committee issued specific instructions to the Shrine Board and Tourism Department to introduce biodegradable bags on these tourist places on the pattern of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. The Committee also instructed 'cleaning' these tourist places after the tourist season and the culmination of the Yatra so that human waste and other garbage generated in the process do not pollute the environment and river.

The Committee urged for maintaining a strict vigil over vehicles plying on Pahalgam-Chandanwari road and for obtaining pollution-free certificates from the Pollution Control Board.

Replying to various queries raised by the Committee, the Development Commissioner SASB, I C Jandial said the Shrine Board has already initiated measures suggested by the Committee in its previous meeting at Pahalgam.

He also contested the report of construction of concrete structures at Baltal and yatra route and said that the Board has erected only pre-fabricated structures for the facilities of the pilgrims, which can easily be removed at short notice.

Mr Jandial further said the Board's endeavour is to ensure smooth conduct of the Yatra and it attaches high priority to control pollution and preserve nature.

Director Tourism, Kashmir Farooq Shah apprised the Committee that the Department has taken certain measures to enforce the ban on polythene at all tourist resorts and taking all necessary measures to save the environment.

UNI BAS PA PM1722