Srinagar, Jul 29: In a major step towards protecting ecologically sensitive tourist destinations, the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department has issued a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the management of solid waste in and around tourist destinations falling within or adjoining Reserve Forests.
The circular, issued by Chief Conservator of Forests Kashmir, Irfan Rasool Wani, a copy of which lies with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) lays down a 10-point action plan aimed at scientific waste management, reducing plastic pollution and conserving the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
According to the SOP, all major tourist destinations will have destination-specific master plans incorporating carrying-capacity assessments to regulate tourist inflow and ensure that ecological limits are not exceeded.
PREPARE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLANS
Authorities have also been directed to prepare comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plans covering waste generation, segregation, collection, transportation, processing and scientific disposal.
The Forest Department has proposed a complete ban on the sale, storage, distribution and use of single-use plastic products at ecologically sensitive tourist destinations. Deputy Commissioners will be requested to issue prohibitory orders, while Anti-Polythene Check Posts will be established at major entry points to prevent prohibited plastic items from entering forest-based tourist destinations.
The SOP also mandates the constitution of Eco-Task Forces comprising Forest officers and field staff to conduct regular inspections of vendors, eateries and commercial establishments, seize banned plastic products and organise periodic cleanliness drives.
INSTALL SEPARATE WASTE BINS
To strengthen waste management infrastructure, the department has directed installation of separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste bins at parking areas, viewpoints, trekking routes, camping sites and other public places.
Adequate transportation and scientific processing facilities will also be established in coordination with Urban Local Bodies and other agencies.
BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES ASSIGNED KEY ROLES
Further, Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) have been assigned a key role in monitoring sanitation activities, coordinating waste collection and promoting community participation. The SOP also allows BMCs, wherever permissible under law, to levy sanitation or user charges from waste generators, with the revenue to be utilised exclusively for sanitation, waste management and environmental conservation.
The circular also stresses sustained awareness campaigns, behavioural change initiatives and the promotion of eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth, jute and other biodegradable products. Buy-back or deposit-refund mechanisms for plastic bottles and packaging materials may also be introduced to encourage recycling and reduce littering.
The implementation of the SOPs will be monitored periodically by the concerned Conservators of Forests, while compliance reports will be submitted to the Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir, every month, the circular states. (KNO)
