Tourism Surges in Gurez as Govt Steps Up Waste Management | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday told the Assembly that tourist arrivals in Gurez have been steadily increasing in recent years, alongside enhanced efforts to strengthen sanitation and waste management in the environmentally sensitive region.

The information was shared by the Minister in charge of the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj in reply to a question raised by MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan.

According to the government, tourist footfall in Gurez has shown consistent growth, with 40,105 visitors recorded in 2022, rising to 48,797 in 2023 and 1,11,613 in 2024. So far in 2025, the area has already received 54,675 tourists.

Responding to concerns about sanitation, the government said it has made sustained efforts to improve waste management infrastructure. Measures include the construction of community compost pits, soakage pits and waste segregation sheds, along with regular door-to-door collection of solid waste.

The reply said a Plastic Waste Management Unit is currently under construction, while twin-pit dustbins have been installed at key locations, including along the banks of the Kishenganga River, to ensure scientific disposal of waste and prevent littering.

The government reiterated that dumping of garbage into the Kishenganga is strictly prohibited and that residents, hotels and commercial establishments are not permitted to dispose of waste into the river.

The department said it remains committed to protecting Gurez’s fragile ecology through strengthened waste collection and segregation systems, expanded sanitation measures in and around Dawar town, installation of dustbins at high-footfall areas, and creation of durable community assets.

It added that regular awareness and sensitisation programmes are being conducted for locals, shopkeepers and tourists to encourage responsible waste disposal and maintain environmental cleanliness in the region.