Srinagar, Aug 21: Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) has expressed its dismay over the vandalisation of the lush green meadows at Sikwas on Tarsar Marsar Trek trail in Kashmir.
In a statement, TAAK said “a hiking company has vandalised many areas at major hiking trails in Kashmir, including Kashmir Great Lakes treks, by brazenly digging large pits and also installing permanent tents causing great damage to the environment.”
TAAK has sought an “immediate ban” on such companies involved in destroying the environment and developing permanent arrangements for lavatories and other facilities.
The proof of pictures and videos viral on social media should be enough for the authorities to take immediate action against the erring company, TAAK said in the statement.
President TAAK Farooq A Kathoo urged authorities to immediately ban such companies for further operations in the Valley and set a strict example.
“Earlier also, the said company has been accused of destroying the high-altitude camping sites besides using unethical trade practice for the sole objective of earning huge profits at the cost of fragile environment. However, no action was taken by the government,” said Kuthoo.
TAAK urged the authorities to devise a mechanism of regulating the huge rush at the high-altitude lakes.
