Baramulla, July 08: In a bid to preserve the scenic beauty and fragile ecosystem of Gulmarg, the Chief Executive Officer of Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) has issued a significant order seeking permission for the installation of temporary tents within its jurisdiction.
An official said that the order, numbered GDA/F-51/2023/731-35, dated July 6, 2023, came in response to the unauthorized installation of tents by tourists and visitors, leading to environmental damage and inconvenience.
The Gulmarg Development Authority has expressed serious concern over the unlawful act of setting up temporary tents on the lush meadows and hill slopes without proper authorization from the competent authority.
“Whereas, it has been observed that some tourists/ visitors are installing temporary tents on green meadow / hill stock for night stay at Gulmarg without any proper permission from the competent Authority,” the official order reads.
“Whereas, this unlawful act has resulted in destruction of Greens / accumulation of excess waste and puts tremendous pressure on the manpower/ caused inconvenience to the tourists.”
The authorities have deemed this matter as a violation of the provisions outlined in the Development Act of 1970.
The permission for installing temporary tents in Gulmarg will now be subject to a set of specific guidelines, which will be communicated to the applicants through the permission letter.
The authorities have highlighted that the installation of tents in the past has led to law and order problems, and the use of fire or stoves inside the tents has posed serious threats to the lives of the visitors.
“Whereas, permission for installation of temporary tents in the jurisdiction of Gulmarg is subject to the various do’s and don’ts which shall be conveyed in the permission letter only. Whereas, it has been observed that sometimes installation of tents in Gulmarg have created law and order problems and burning of fire / stoves inside the tents may sometimes prove fatal and is life threatening.”
Officials said that in order to address these concerns and ensure the safety of tourists, as well as maintain the fragile ecosystem of the area, all stakeholders, including visitors and tourists, are strongly advised to adhere to the rules and regulations and obtain proper permission before setting up tents.
Officials at GDA said that this proactive step aims to prevent any untoward incidents and protect the lives of visitors.
The Gulmarg Development Authority has warned that violators will face appropriate actions as stipulated by the rules.
