MakeMyTrip Foundation Supports Gulmarg Waste Management

MakeMyTrip Foundation Launches Gulmarg Waste Management Initiative

MakeMyTrip Foundation, the social impact arm of MakeMyTrip, has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) and The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa to launch ‘Ruh-e-Gul’, an initiative focused on improving waste management and promoting responsible tourism in Gulmarg.

The project aims to strengthen waste management infrastructure as visitor numbers continue to increase, helping preserve Gulmarg’s natural environment while supporting sustainable tourism.

Under the initiative, the partners will improve waste collection and processing systems, restore identified waste dumping sites and introduce additional waste management facilities. Plans include installing community waste bins and collection trolleys at busy tourist locations, deploying additional waste collection staff and upgrading infrastructure such as Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and a biogas plant to support scientific waste management.

The project will also improve public spaces, including roadsides, pathways, roundabouts and tourist signage. Awareness campaigns will encourage visitors, local businesses and residents to adopt responsible waste disposal practices and contribute to keeping the destination clean.

Yuvaraj Srivastava, Trustee of MakeMyTrip Foundation and Group CHRO at MakeMyTrip, said the initiative reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting sustainable tourism and strengthening waste management infrastructure at popular travel destinations. He also acknowledged the support of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in bringing the project to fruition.

Tariq Hussain Naik, CEO of Gulmarg Development Authority, said the partnership will help ensure Gulmarg’s infrastructure keeps pace with increasing visitor numbers while protecting the destination’s natural environment.

Umar Khurshid Tramboo, Managing Director of The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, said preserving Gulmarg’s environment is essential for maintaining the visitor experience and supporting the destination’s long-term future.

With an estimated four metric tonnes of waste generated daily in Gulmarg, the ‘Ruh-e-Gul’ initiative aims to strengthen waste management systems and improve environmental sustainability across the destination.

MakeMyTrip Foundation’s wider environmental work includes planting more than 2.8 million saplings across several Indian states and supporting the responsible collection and disposal of 990 metric tonnes of waste from destinations such as Neil Island, Kempty Falls and Dal Lake.

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