Forest Dept bans camping, off-roading at four tourist spots in Kashmir
Srinagar, July 14: The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department has imposed an immediate ban on camping, tent pitching, off-road driving and bonfires at four major tourist destinations in Kashmir.
An official said the restrictions have been put in place at Doodhpathri, Yousmarg, Tosamaidan and Hajjin-Brenwar in a bid to protect the fragile forest ecosystem and promote sustainable tourism.
An order to this effect was issued by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Pir Panjal Forest Division, Budgam.
The department has directed field officers to strictly enforce the ban and ensure that no activity likely to disturb or damage the forest ecosystem is permitted within reserved forest areas, officials said.
Anti-polythene checkpoints will be set up on approach roads to these destinations to prevent the entry, sale, storage and use of prohibited plastic items, they added.
Authorities will enforce the Jammu and Kashmir Non-Biodegradable Material (Management, Handling and Disposal) Act, 2007, and the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, against violators, officials said.
Range officers have been asked to identify suitable locations for installing eco-friendly dustbins in consultation with local stakeholders and municipal authorities to ensure scientific waste collection at least twice a week, they added.
Weekly cleanliness drives will be conducted every Wednesday with the participation of Forest Department officials, Forest Protection Force personnel, municipal bodies, tourism stakeholders and local volunteers.
Informative signboards highlighting the prohibition on littering, plastic use, camping, off-road driving and bonfires will also be installed at key locations, officials said.
Violations will attract legal action under relevant provisions of law, they warned. (KNS)
