Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department has imposed an immediate ban on camping, tent pitching, off-road driving and bonfires at four popular tourist destinations in Kashmir to protect the fragile forest ecosystem and promote sustainable tourism, officials said on Monday.
The restrictions have been enforced at Doodhpathri, Yousmarg, Tosamaidan and Hajjin-Brenwar through an order issued by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Pir Panjal Forest Division, Budgam.
Officials said field staff have been directed to strictly enforce the ban and prevent any activity that could disturb or damage reserved forest areas.
The department will also establish anti-polythene checkpoints on approach roads to the tourist destinations to curb the entry, sale, storage and use of prohibited plastic items.
Violators will face action under the Jammu and Kashmir Non-Biodegradable Material (Management, Handling and Disposal) Act, 2007, and the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, officials said.
Range officers have been asked to identify suitable locations for eco-friendly dustbins in consultation with local stakeholders and municipal authorities to ensure scientific collection and disposal of waste at least twice a week.
The department will conduct weekly cleanliness drives every Wednesday with the participation of Forest Department officials, Forest Protection Force personnel, municipal bodies, tourism stakeholders and local volunteers.
Informative signboards highlighting the ban on littering, plastic use, camping, off-road driving and bonfires will also be installed at key locations, officials said, adding that legal action will be taken against violators.
Kashmir Newsville Is A Multimedia News Platform.
Registered By The Government Of India, Registrar Of Newspapers For India Under: JKENG/2023/87898
