Plastic Pollution in Sanasar goes unabated

Tourist site struggling to survive

17/05/2019

Sanasar, which is known for its natural and verdant green beauty of pines, also known as 'Mini Gulmarg', but the beautiful tourist site has been struggling to survive as the plastic pollution goes unabated.
The pure fragrant air of the lush green, picturesque cup-shaped meadow with the undulating mountain canvas and the varied colours of nature in different seasons, give the Sanasar a uniqueness of its kind with nurture of tranquility and peaceful emotions for tourists and visitors.
The surrounding dense diversified forest of Cedrus Deodara (wood of the Gods), Pinus Wallichiana (Kail, Kalcheer), Pyrus Pashia (Kainth), Carissa Spinarum (Garna), Berberis Lycium (Kambalu, Daruhridya), Viburnum Grandiflorum (Teond) and many more species; Medicinal plants seen in the area Digitalis Purpurea (Tilpushpi), Ajuga Bracteosa (Neelkanthi), Thymus Linearis (Jungli Ajwain), Dioscorea Deltoidea (Kildari), Bergenia Ciliata (Pashanvid), Taxus Wallichiana (Barmi) grow in the area. Fresh water spring 'Lal Chashma' adds to its charming beauty.
Years of existence, Sanasar Lake, notable for its scenic views of mountain ranges mighty western (Kishtwar) Himalayas and the lower Shivalik range of the Ramban District, is facing an existential threat due to human intervention and climate change. Distance from Jammu to Sanasar is around 132 km and it takes around 4.5 hrs to cover the distance by road. After 18 km from Patnitop through Nathatop, one lands at picturesque Sannasar, temporary mud houses of villagers, flocks of migrating sheep goat.
A visit to Sanasar is very enchanting experience, simmering lake waters with reflections of standing conifers is no less than a magic, wild roses with fragrant snow white flowers adds to charm and happiness of the tourists.
Tulip garden maintained by garden houses but Wild Tulip i e Himalayan White Tulip (Tulipa Clusiana) are seen growing in the wild area though not cultivated in the gardens.
From a distance, it gives a magnificence look but on closer look, one can notice its poor state of cleanliness.
Plastic bottles, chips wrappers and polythene bags littered around the lake and carp fishes found in the water can be seen scavenging the dangerous plastic material.
However, noticing all this, the State Pollution Control Board so far has not taken cognizance to initiate corrective measures to prevent the lake from turning into a chemical disaster.
Pristine ecology much changed, anthropogenic pressures need strict regulations by the designated authorities.
Recently, State govt issued an order banning single use of plastic containers including mineral water bottles, plastics glasses, styrofoam cups, bowls, plastic bags, containers made in polystyrene foam and plastic straws. Single use plastic ban need strict enforcement at such tourist places.
According to the estimates drawn by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India generates as much as 10,000 tonne per day of plastic waste with per capita generation of up to 5.7 kilos of plastic waste per annum, which is annually growing at a rate of 8-10 percent.
But still usage of plastic water bottles, styrofoam cup, plates by the caterers and vendors going on unabated and call for urgent action. Plastic usage need to be phased out in the interest of quality environment.
The common masses, tourists and visitors need to sensitized to keep surroundings clean. Moreover, The authorities should regulate enforcement of laws & regulations without any relaxation, exemption for ensuring purity of environment.
(The author is a 'Tree-Talk Enthusiast' and Research Scholar pursuing Ph.D. from University of Jammu).

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