Srinagar, Feb 09 (KNO): The Jammu & Kashmir government on Monday informed the Assembly that Gurez is witnessing a steady rise in tourist arrivals over the past few years, and that several measures have been put in place to strengthen sanitation and waste management in the ecologically sensitive region.
The Minister Incharge, Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), shared the details in response to a question raised by MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan.
According to the government, tourist footfall in Gurez has increased consistently, with 40,105 visitors in 2022, 48,797 in 2023, and 1,11,613 in 2024. In 2025 so far, the destination has already recorded 54,675 arrivals.
Addressing concerns over sanitation, the government said it has undertaken "considerable and sustained efforts" to improve waste management infrastructure. These include construction of community compost pits, soakage pits and waste segregation sheds, alongside regular door-to-door solid waste collection.
A Plastic Waste Management Unit is under construction, the reply stated, while twin-pit dustbins have been installed at key locations - including along the banks of the River Kishenganga - to ensure scientific disposal and discourage littering.
The government reiterated that dumping of garbage into the Kishenganga is strictly prohibited, and no such practice is allowed by residents, hotels or commercial establishments.
The department said it remains committed to safeguarding the fragile ecology of Gurez through strengthened waste collection and segregation systems, expanded sanitation interventions in and around Dawar town, installation of dustbins at high-footfall points, and creation of durable community assets.
Regular awareness and sensitization programmes are also being conducted for residents, shopkeepers and tourists to promote responsible waste disposal and maintain environmental cleanliness in the region—(KNO)