Ganderbal, Feb 24 (KNO): Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that it has put in place a series of solid-waste management and habitat-protection measures in Sonamarg to prevent human-bear conflict and safeguard the Himalayan brown bear population.
According to an affidavit filed before the Principal Bench of the Tribunal in OA No. 1046/2024, about a news report on the conservation of Kashmir brown bears, the Authority submitted that a “scientifically structured waste management protocol” is being followed in the ecologically sensitive tourist destination. The affidavit has been accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
The SDA stated that the measures are aimed at preventing wildlife habituation to food waste, ensuring proper scientific disposal of solid waste and maintaining compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, to protect the fragile ecosystem of Sonamarg.
The Authority stated that all categories of solid waste generated in the Sonamarg bowl and its adjoining villages are being collected on a daily basis and transported directly to the Sarbal Solid Waste Management (SWM) plant, thereby minimising food attractants along identified bear movement corridors. It added that surprise inspections are being carried out regularly to curb illegal dumping along tourist routes and other ecologically sensitive areas.
To further reduce wildlife attraction, the SDA said it has replaced conventional waste bins with specialised wildlife-resistant receptacles. "As many as 60 pole-mounted stainless-steel dustbins with a capacity of 100 litres each have been procured through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal," it said. "While some of these have already been installed at high-footfall locations, including Thajwas and other key tourist sites, the remaining bins are scheduled to be put in place ahead of the upcoming tourist season."
According to the affidavit, the Sarbal waste-processing facility presently comprises a bio-composter-cum-segregator and an auto-composter, each with a capacity of five metric tonnes per day, in addition to a one-metric-tonne electromagnetic disintegrator. It notes that during peak tourist season, daily waste generation increases to 7–10 metric tonnes, and the process for installation of an additional two-metric-tonne disintegrator has been initiated to augment capacity.
The SDA has also proposed the construction of a 10-foot-high fenced perimeter with a secured gate around the SWM plant to prevent entry of wild animals, particularly Himalayan brown bears, and to check unauthorised access. The proposal has been included in the budget estimates submitted to the Tourism Department for approval.
Besides strengthening infrastructure, the Authority informed the National Green Tribunal that awareness campaigns are being conducted in coordination with the Wildlife Protection Department. Signages are being installed at key access points, while tourists and hotel operators are being sensitised against feeding wildlife and improper disposal of food waste.
The SDA further submitted that it remains committed to maintaining ecological balance in Sonamarg and has sought liberty to file an updated compliance report within six weeks, stating that recent winter snowfall had affected certain field activities—(KNO)