Ganderbal, Apr 17, KNT: Despite a clear ban imposed by the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, polythene tents have mushroomed across the picturesque tourist resort of Sonamarg, raising serious concerns over environmental degradation and official inaction.
Visitors arriving at the world-renowned health resort are now welcomed by an unsightly sprawl of plastic tents set up around the scenic area. The presence of these structures not only mars the visual appeal of the region but is also proving hazardous to its sensitive ecosystem.
Tents have also been erected along the banks of the Sindh drain, where labourers from various districts have taken shelter. Horses used for tourism purposes are kept in these tents, and their waste is reportedly being dumped directly into the water body, turning the once-clean Sindh stream into a health hazard.
Local tourism stakeholders say they are dismayed by the blatant violation of the High Court’s ban. “Sonamarg is known for its natural beauty, and tourists from across the country and abroad come here to experience that. But the growing number of plastic tents is ruining everything,” said Ghulam Hassan, a local tour operator.
Hassan also questioned the transparency of the Tourism Department, alleging that the number of horses registered with the department remains unclear, and no verification has been done. He further blamed the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) for its continued silence and inaction. “Why is the SDA silent on this? The tents are everywhere—from Shatkadi to the heart of Sonamarg,” he added.
Echoing similar concerns, Shakeel Ahmed, another figure from the tourism sector, said the authorities are making tall claims about beautifying Sonamarg, but the ground reality tells a different story. “The health resort is being turned into a tent city. This is not what Sonamarg stands for,” he lamented.
Locals and tourism players have urged the administration to act swiftly, remove the illegal tents, enforce the High Court’s order, and preserve the natural charm of Sonamarg before it’s too late.
