In a move to safeguard the eco-fragile environment of Gulmarg, the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) Sunday issued a circular enforcing a ban on plastic water bottles in all hotels within the area. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to keep Gulmarg free from polythene and plastic waste, by the unified efforts of the GDA, local municipality, and various stakeholders. The circular mandates the replacement of plastic water bottles with glass alternatives within one month in all the hotels in the area.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GDA stressed the significant role hoteliers have played in supporting past green initiatives, including anti-polythene drives and eco-tourism conclaves. “The hoteliers of Gulmarg have been forthcoming in green initiatives taken by the GDA. It is enjoined upon hoteliers of Gulmarg to kindly refrain from using plastic water bottles within their hotels henceforth and replace the same with glass bottles,” reads the circular.
Plastic waste poses a severe threat to the environment, particularly in eco-sensitive zones like Gulmarg. The transition to glass bottles is a vital step towards minimising this impact and ensuring that the area remains a clean and attractive destination for tourists. Local hoteliers have shown strong support for the initiative, recognising the need for sustainable practices in the tourism sector.
The GDA has assured stakeholders that all necessary measures will be taken to facilitate the smooth switchover to.