Most of those who otherwise feign to be worried about violation of the environment , surroundings , habitat, the forest area and the like of Pahalgam in Kashmir which used to be brimming with lush green tall trees all around , could possibly be among the ones contributing absolutely nothing towards protection and conservation of Pahalgam which, because of its unique natural beauty assumes worldwide importance as a pride tourist spot. Annual Shree Amarnath Yatra running for a bit more than a month not only lends special importance to Pahalgam, the base camp for the annual pilgrimage but also contributes towards giving a fillip to tourism related commercial activities while admittedly also putting to test the efficiency of the concerned authorities to address a bit of shear on the fragility of the spot though for a very short duration. Heavy turnover and parking of vehicles during the peak season puts extra pressure on the frailty and delicacy of its tourist characteristics. That all being a stark reality which has not only to be accepted without any reservations but such a methodology on professional basis evolved which could result in the protection and conservation of this famous tourist place which otherwise is a priceless asset generating the cycles of revenue and employment opportunities throughout the year.
The biggest ever threat to Pahalgam or other places of similar importance emanates from haphazard construction of buildings and structures mostly in forest areas for personal commercial gains . The worst onslaught took place during the period of intense militancy when law enforcing agencies were reluctant to take stern action against such structures as most of them enjoyed even patronage of political clout . Filing of PIL and seeking intervention of courts has almost become a routine recourse looking to the general lackadaisical approach of the concerned authorities to stem the rut and there is one under active consideration of the High Court where a Division Bench is hearing the case . In the recent hearing, the Bench has directed the Government to work out a plan for detecting of zones and non construction areas on the River Liddar flowing through Pahalgam. Identification of zones on its banks is paramount in order to proceed with any plan towards protection and conservation of the famous spot and make it still more attractive from tourism angle.
A revised Master Plan was, therefore, important to be prepared but only after taking on board all concerned departments and agencies who would be required to update the records and revenue noting, survey numbers and other relevant details . The court has , accordingly directed the concerned departmental heads, Commissioners, Secretaries to the Government etc for filing updated reports in the court about the compliance of the earlier directions in this behalf. Since ponies are an important constituent of requirements of tourists , their zig-zag track too needs to be streamlined and a specified marked track identified which too needs to be taken care of in the RMP. The horse dung strewn all along continues to remain untreated on a permanent basis and a mechanism needs to be evolved for that so as to let the spot have a clean and pristine look. The general public had the right to know all details about it through all available sources, is what the court has directed.
It is worth noting that the Division Bench intends to feel inclined to go further from what had been prayed in the PIL thus widening the scope and confine of the issues raised in the PIL . This is precisely for better monitoring the management and bettering the condition of this world famous tourist spot. However , the most important aspect of the issue is in respect of the stand of the respondents in the PIL in respect of the status of buildings already constructed in no construction zone on the banks of River Liddar, Aru and Chandanwari Nullahs.
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