Kashmir generates more than 50,000 tonnes of plastic and polythene waste every year, and bottles, wrappers and polythene bags now litter its most celebrated tourist destinations. In Pahalgam, waste lies along the Lidder and around picnic spots. Gulmarg’s meadows and roadsides are strewn with it, and Sonamarg’s Sindh riverbanks fare no better. The problem has been reported from Yousmarg, Doodhpathri, Gurez, Daksum, Kokernag and Aharbal as well.

Microplastics have already been detected in Manasbal Lake. Rain........

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