Tauseef Ahmad
Srinagar, July 9: Concerned over the rising accumulation of plastic waste in the ecologically fragile Gurez Valley amid a surge in tourist arrivals, the Bandipora district administration has established a dedicated Single-Use Plastic (SUP) enforcement check-post at Tragbal, the gateway to the valley, in a bid to curb plastic pollution before it reaches the high-altitude destination.
The check-post, located on the Bandipora-Gurez Road ahead of Razdan Pass, became operational on July 7 and will function on a zero-exception basis, with every vehicle travelling towards Gurez subject to inspection.
The move comes after increasing concerns over littering and the growing volume of plastic waste left behind by visitors, threatening the valley’s rivers, forests and alpine meadows. The administration has also intensified enforcement by imposing a fine of ₹5,000 on tourists and visitors found littering or violating the ban on single-use plastic in Gurez.
According to an order issued by Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, all prohibited single-use plastic items—including plastic carry bags, disposable plates and cutlery, straws, thermocol (Styrofoam) products and other banned plastic packaging—will be confiscated at the check-post. Officials will issue receipts for every seizure to maintain transparency.
To minimise inconvenience for travellers, the administration has arranged eco-friendly alternatives through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission. Visitors will be able to purchase cloth bags, reusable steel containers, paper bags and other sustainable products at fixed prices displayed at the checkpoint.
The initiative is being implemented with logistical support from the Indian Army, which has extended assistance to the civil administration in enforcing the restrictions and protecting the valley’s fragile ecosystem.
Tourists welcomed the initiative, saying it was essential to preserve one of Kashmir’s last relatively untouched mountain destinations.
“Gurez is beautiful because it is still unspoiled. If visitors continue to leave plastic behind, the valley will lose the very charm that attracts people here. A plastic check-post is a good step to ensure everyone travels responsibly,” said Aamir Khan, a tourist from Delhi.
Another visitor, Neha Sharma from Chandigarh, said protecting Gurez should be a shared responsibility. “Unlike many commercial tourist destinations, Gurez still has pristine landscapes and clean rivers. Carrying reusable bottles and bags is a small sacrifice if it helps preserve this place for future generations,” she said.
Authorities said the check-post will also maintain scientific waste management practices. Biodegradable waste will be processed through compost pits, while seized plastic waste will be handed over to registered recyclers. Open burning of plastic waste has been strictly prohibited, and officials will maintain a seizure-cum-disposal register documenting the collection and disposal of confiscated materials.
The administration has appealed to tourists, tour operators and local residents to cooperate by avoiding single-use plastics and carrying reusable alternatives while travelling to Gurez.
Nestled along the Line of Control in north Kashmir, Gurez has emerged as one of Jammu and Kashmir’s fastest-growing offbeat tourist destinations in recent years. However, the rapid increase in visitor numbers has raised concerns among environmentalists and local residents over mounting plastic waste, prompting authorities to tighten regulations to preserve the valley’s pristine landscape and fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
