Srinagar, July 20 (KNS): The "Group of Concerned Citizens" ( GCC), J&K has welcomed the recent decision of J&K Government to reconstitute the Tourism Development Authorities under the chairmanship of LG, Chief Secretary and Administrative Secretary Tourism Department and expressed the hope that the leadership and supervision of LG and the high ranking officials will go a long way in the promotion of clean and sustainable tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. The GCC appealed to the LG and Chief Secretary to take urgent steps to deal with the problem of solid waste as most of the TDAs have no proper system for solid waste disposal, in particular the polythene and plastic solid waste.

Further, the GCC has called for strict enforcement of the existing ban on single use plastic and imposition of heavy fines on polluters. The GCC has also appealed to the Tourism stake holders, the tourists, yatries and local people to help keep the tourist places, surrounding areas and trekking routes clean and free from litter.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelAnd to help protect the natural assets and resources and tourism infrastructure already built so as to protect and preserve the famed natural beauty of Jammu and Kashmir. The GCC called for immediate halt and prevention of encroachments, unauthorised constructions and constructions in violation of Master Plans.

The GCC hailed the recent statement of LG in which he called for sustainable tourism as sustainable tourism is the best antidote against overtourism and its adverse effects. The GCC suggested and demanded a fresh Tourism policy document to promote sustainable tourism and discourage overtourism keeping in view the carrying capacity and environmental constraints.(KNS)