Sonamarg, July 28, KNT: Tourists visiting the famed Sonamarg hill station in Central Kashmir have expressed deep disappointment over the glaring lack of basic civic amenities, particularly at the popular Thajwas Glacier point, where, according to them, the absence of even a single lavatory for women has turned a dream trip into a distressing experience.
Often described as the ‘Meadow of Gold’ and renowned for its pristine landscapes, alpine meadows, and glacial peaks, Sonamarg draws thousands of visitors each year. However, those arriving in recent weeks say the reality on the ground is far removed from the promise. They point to poor infrastructure, unchecked pollution, and official neglect as signs that the tourist spot is being ruined under the very eyes of the authorities meant to preserve it.
“What is the use of calling it paradise if women have to struggle to find a toilet in this entire vast expanse? This is basic human dignity, not a luxury,” lamented a tourist Ashok Kumar from Hyderabad, who had travelled with his family to escape the summer heat. Many others echoed her concern, stating they were willing to pay for such facilities, but the Sonamarg Development Authority has failed even to install pay-and-use lavatories at key points like Thajwas Glacier.
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Adding to the misery is the rampant littering of plastic bottles, wrappers, and disposable cutlery, which now dot the once-immaculate surroundings. Tourists complain that the ecological damage is not only visible but worsening by the day, with no visible effort on the part of the administration to enforce cleanliness or ecological discipline.
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“The place is choking under its own popularity. What we see here is a complete collapse of tourist management. If Sonamarg is to retain its charm, there has to be urgent intervention,” said another visitor from Mumbai.
Several tourists have urged the top brass to visit the spot without prior notice, so they may see for themselves the extent of the neglect. “Come here like ordinary people and you will know what it feels like,” one visitor remarked, frustrated by the hollow promises of improved tourism infrastructure.
Locals associated with tourism also confirmed that repeated requests to improve facilities have gone unheard. “We host guests, but we also feel ashamed when they ask for a washroom and we have no answer,” a pony handler near the glacier point told the news agency Kashmir News Trust.
Tourists and stakeholders alike fear that unless swift measures are taken, the destination may lose its sheen and reputation as one of the jewels of Kashmir’s tourism crown. [KNT]
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