Anti-polythene drive launched in tourist resort of Gulmarg

Srinagar : The Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) on Saturday launched a comprehensive anti-polythene and anti-pollution drive to enhance environmental awareness and cleanliness in and around the tourist resort of Gulmarg in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials said the day-long campaign saw active participation from various departments, including the Executive Officer of the Municipality Tangmarg and Gulmarg, Station House Officers of Gulmarg and Tangmarg, officials from GDA, Inspector Motor Vehicle Department, forest protection force focusing on both awareness and action.
They said the drive commenced in Tangmarg, where Chief Executive Officer of GDA, Waseem Raja led on road awareness of drivers, passengers, and tourists.
Raja emphasized the importance of maintaining Gulmarg’s pristine environment, noting the detrimental effects of polythene in such an eco-fragile zone. He urged local visitors and tourists to refrain from using polythene in Gulmarg
The inspection team conducted thorough checks on vehicles, ensuring the validity of pollution certificates and educating tourists about the ban and punishment for carrying polythene into Gulmarg.
During the drive, the team checked hundreds of vehicles and imposed fines amounting to Rs 85,000 for various offences and violations, officials said.
Five vehicles with expired fitness certificates, producing excessive smoke, were seized by Tangmarg Police under Section 129.
The drive extended to Gulmarg, where GDA, in collaboration with the Tangmarg/Gulmarg Municipal Committee, launched a cleanliness drive at the Children’s Park.
Raja stated that anyone found using polythene or disposing of plastic waste irresponsibly in Gulmarg would face strict penalties as per the law.