Face action for staying in tents in Gulmarg

GULMARG — In a bid to ensure the eco-fragile environment of Gulmarg and to prevent any untoward incident, the tourists as well as local visitors who had been installing temporary tents on hill stocks for a night stay, are now bound to seek permission from the concerned authority, failing which would invite action.

Talking to the news agency KNO, CEO Gulmarg Development Authority, Ghulam Jeelani Zargar, said it has been observed some local visitors and tourists are installing temporary tents on green meadows and hill stocks without proper permission, which is unlawful. “The act has resulted in the destruction of greens and accumulation of excess waste, which causes inconvenience to the tourists,” he said.

“We had to face challenges in managing the environmental impact caused by unchecked camping. The delicate ecosystem of the valley is at risk due to the haphazard placement of tents and inadequate waste management,” he said.

“Sometimes installation of tents in Gulmarg have created law and order problems and burning of fire and stoves inside the tents may sometimes prove fatal and is life-threatening,” he said.

Zargar said that Gulmarg Development Authority has decided to implement a new regulation. Henceforth, tourists and visitors who desire to stay in tents overnight would be required to seek permission from the GDA. “The move would regulate camping activities, ensure environmental conservation, and provide a better experience for tourists, besides would have a check on any untoward incidents,” he said.

The CEO GDA said action as warranted under rules shall be initiated against the violators, who fail to seek permission from the competent authority. “Permission for installation of temporary tents in the jurisdiction of Gulmarg is subject to the various Dos and Don’ts which shall be conveyed in the permission letter only,” he added.