MakeMyTrip Foundation, the social impact arm of MakeMyTrip, has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) and Khyber Himalaya Resort & Spa to launch ‘Rooh-e-Gul’, a waste management and responsible tourism initiative aimed at strengthening environmental sustainability in Gulmarg.The initiative aims to address the increasing pressure on the destination’s ecosystem as tourist arrivals continue to rise. It will focus on improving waste collection and processing infrastructure while supporting the restoration of identified waste dumping sites.As part of the programme, community garbage bins and collection trolleys will be installed at high-footfall locations, supported by additional manpower for garbage collection in key tourist areas. The initiative will also facilitate upgradation of material recovery facilities (MRF) and bio-gas plant to strengthen scientific waste management practices.In addition, the program will assist in enhancing public spaces including roadsides, pathways, intersections and tourist signage by conducting awareness and behavior change campaigns involving visitors, local businesses and communities to encourage responsible waste disposal.Yuvraj Srivastava, Trustee, MakeMyTrip Foundation and Group CHRO, MakeMyTrip, said, “Gulmarg has always held a special place in the hearts of travelers to India, and protecting that charm requires a conscious effort on all our parts. Through this initiative, we aim to contribute to sustainable waste management infrastructure to help Gulmarg keep pace with its growing tourist flow. This is similar to Dal Lake in Srinagar and many others across the country. This builds on our prior waste management work, reflecting the Foundation’s long-term commitment to preserving India’s landscapes and communities. We are grateful to the Honorable Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Omar Abdullah, for supporting us in realizing this project.”Tariq Hussain Naik, CEO, Gulmarg Development Authority, said, “Gulmarg attracts tourists from India and around the world and it is our collective responsibility to keep it safe. As custodians of this destination, we are committed to ensuring that the infrastructure and systems keep pace with the increasing number of people visiting Gulmarg and continue to position it as a global destination.”Omar Khurshid Tramboo, Managing Director, The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, said, “Khyber has always believed that the health of a destination and the success of its hospitality industry are deeply linked. Gulmarg is our home and its beauty is its greatest asset, and also its most delicate.”According to the foundation, Gulmarg generates an estimated four metric tons of garbage every day. The organization has also undertaken environmental initiatives including the planting of over 2.8 million saplings across multiple states and responsible collection and disposal of 990 metric tonnes of waste from places such as Neil Island, Kempty Falls and Dal Lake.
