My vacation in India during March 2013 included a much yearned short visit to Kashmir .Whenever we visit a new place the environmental interests inside us is triggered. I must say that my Kashmir trip has left vivid images that are both saddening and gladdening. I visited Srinagar. Pahalgam and Gulmarg. True to its words KASHMIR is a paradise on earth. The breathtaking beauty of Kashmir is unparalleled.

Kashmir faces its own environmental issues. Most parts of Srinagar city lie in the vicinity of the famous Dal Lake. I was saddened to learn that many of the countless springs on the shores of the lake which used to nourish the lake are dead. Thick algal blooms have smothered the lake in some places. Lake dwellers have filled the lake over the years. I believe the lake has shrunk to almost one sixth of the original size. Human greed and neglect have contributed to such of state. I hope the authorities will take strict measures to save the beautiful Dal Lake. I was also saddened at the sight of littering in some tourist places. Visitors littering the tourist spots are a common problem which pollutes the environment. It really upset me to see such a beautiful place being littered by uncaring visitors and tourists.

 Just as I was feeling disheartened at the callous nature of man I saw a sight in Pahalgam which lifted my spirits. I saw A HUGE pile of plastic being collected for recycling at the foothills of Pahalgam. It was a real gladdening sight. Another pleasing sight that caught my attention were the solar powered cottages in Gulmarg. It is also worth appreciating the fact that no plastic bags are used in Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir has banned polythene carry bag with effect from 2009.  These positive eco-friendly steps have restored my FAITH in man and in his ability to protect the environment. Every small step taken to protect the environment is a step in the right direction