Shopian, Jul 14: Located along the historic Mughal Road, Dubjan, renowned for its sprawling meadow and a spring believed to possess healing properties, presents a grim picture as plastic waste increasingly litters its pristine landscape.
Polythene bags, plastic bottles and food wrappers discarded by visitors are strewn across the lush green meadows, marring the area’s natural beauty and raising concerns over the growing environmental degradation of what has emerged as one of south Kashmir’s popular tourist destinations.
Over the past few years, Dubjan has become a preferred stop for travellers, with the administration actively promoting the scenic meadow as an emerging tourism destination. In February, the district administration, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, organised the Dubjan Winter Carnival to showcase the destination and attract more visitors.
While the initiative has boosted tourist footfall, locals say the increase in visitors has been accompanied by a sharp rise in littering.
“The winter carnival has helped attract people to the location, which is good for the local economy. But many visitors leave behind plastic bottles, food packets and other waste after picnics, and no one comes to collect it regularly,” said Tariq Ahmad, a resident of the area.
Plastic waste has also become a major concern at Bohrihalan Park along the Mughal Road, with discarded bottles, wrappers and other litter scattered across the area.
Mitha Gatoo, a concerned citizen and civil society member said the accumulation of plastic waste has become more visible during weekends and holidays, when hundreds of tourists visit the meadows.
He warned that if left unchecked, the litter could damage the fragile ecosystem and undermine Dubjan’s appeal as a nature destination.
“Plastic waste poses a serious threat to mountain ecosystems, where waste collection and disposal remain limited. Besides spoiling the landscape, discarded plastic can contaminate water sources, harm wildlife and take decades to decompose”, Gatoo said.
He said that travellers should avoid throwing plastic in these areas. “Promoting tourism must go hand in hand with protecting the environment”, Gatoo added .
Locals have urged the administration to install more waste bins, ensure regular garbage collection and launch awareness campaigns encouraging visitors to dispose of waste responsibly. They also called for stricter enforcement against littering, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
Without an effective waste-management system and greater public awareness, they fear Dubjan’s meadows and freshwater spring could gradually lose the very charm that has made the destination increasingly popular among visitor
Echoing the concern, Rahul Sharma, a tourist from Mumbai, said the scenic destinations like Dubjan deserves better waste-management facilities.
“It is a beautiful place and has immense tourism potential, but the litter takes away from its charm. The administration should install adequate dustbins at different points and ensure regular waste collection. At the same time, visitors also have a responsibility to keep the place clean,” he said.
Sharma said the authorities could also consider restricting or banning single-use plastics in the area. “If people are encouraged to carry reusable water bottles and food containers instead of disposable plastic items, it would go a long way in preserving the meadow and its fragile ecosystem,” he added.
