Forest Dept Bans Camping, Bonfires and Off-Road Driving in 3 Tourist Destinations

Ziraat Times News Desk

Srinagar, July 13: In a move aimed at protecting ecologically fragile forest landscapes, the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department has imposed restrictions on camping, bonfires and off-road driving in the forest areas of Doodhpathri, Yousmarg, Tosamaidan and Hajjin-Brenwar.

The department said the decision has been taken to safeguard sensitive ecosystems, prevent forest fires, conserve biodiversity and protect natural habitats from increasing anthropogenic pressures.

According to officials, the restrictions come amid growing concerns over environmental degradation in some of Kashmir’s most pristine meadow destinations, where rising tourist footfall and unregulated recreational activities have posed threats to forests and wildlife.

The Forest Department noted that off-road driving, particularly in meadows and forest areas, causes damage to fragile vegetation, leads to soil erosion and disturbs wildlife habitats. Similarly, camping and bonfires in forested areas significantly increase the risk of forest fires and generate waste, adversely impacting the ecological balance of these destinations.

Officials urged tourists, local visitors and tour operators to cooperate with the department and strictly comply with the restrictions in the larger interest of environmental conservation.

“The restrictions have been imposed to preserve the ecological integrity of these sensitive landscapes and ensure their long-term sustainability for future generations,” an official said.

The department appealed to visitors to adopt responsible tourism practices and support ongoing conservation efforts in the region.

The move assumes significance as destinations such as Doodhpathri, Yousmarg and Tosamaidan have witnessed a sharp increase in tourist arrivals in recent years, leading to mounting concerns over littering, habitat disturbance, vehicular intrusion into meadows and growing environmental stress.

Environmental experts have repeatedly called for stricter regulation of tourism activities in these areas, warning that unchecked human intervention could irreversibly damage some of Kashmir’s most valuable natural ecosystems.