To protect the fragile ecosystem and stop trash from ruining the beauty of nature, the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department has imposed an immediate ban on camping, tent pitching, off-roading and bonfires at four popular tourist spots. Keep reading to know everything about it.
Camping & Off-Roading Banned At 4 Tourist Spots In Kashmir
If you are planning to go camping, off-roading or enjoy bonfires at Doodhpathri, Yousmarg, Tosamaidan or Hajjin-Brenwar in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, you may have to cancel your plans or choose another destination. According to The New Indian Express, the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department has imposed a complete ban on these activities. The directions were issued by the Divisional Forest Officer, Pir Panjal Forest Division, Budgam.
Reportedly, the authorities want to develop these four tourist spots in Kashmir into zero-waste zones while protecting their fragile ecosystem and biodiversity. And of course, this won’t be possible if activities like camping, bonfires and off-roading continue. We all know these activities generate a lot of waste and trash.
Also Read: This North Kashmir Border Village Is Winning Hearts With Its Scenic Beauty & Border Tourism
Why Has The Ban Been Imposed?
According to The New Indian Express, field officers have been directed to strictly enforce the ban and ensure that no activity that disturbs or damages the forest ecosystem is permitted within the reserved forest areas. The decision was taken considering the environmental impact of increasing tourist footfall in these regions. As part of the initiative, the department is also planning to ban plastic items in these areas.
Just recently, Kashmir’s Gurez Valley also banned the use of single-use plastic to protect its sensitive ecology. Tourists found littering can now face heavy penalties. Reportedly, in a related development, the Ladakh administration took a first-of-its-kind action against motorcycle groups. The authorities fined 12 bikers ₹10,000 each for illegally venturing into protected ecologically sensitive zones near Lake Moriri.
Also Read: Kashmir’s Gurez Valley Now Imposes ₹5,000 Fine On Tourists For Littering Single-Use Plastic
So, what do you think of this ban in Kashmir? Do you think it will help protect the region’s fragile ecosystem?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Bignai (Representative Image)
FAQs
Where is camping and off-roading now banned in Kashmir?
Camping and off-roading are now banned at Doodhpathri, Yousmarg, Tosamaidan and Hajjin-Brenwar in Kashmir.
What are some popular tourist spots in Kashmir?
Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Doodhpathri and Yousmarg are some of Kashmir’s popular tourist spots.
What is off-roading?
Off-roading is driving vehicles on unpaved roads or natural terrains instead of regular roads.
