Govt bans installation of tents for night stay in Gurez

Srinagar, July 13: The Jammu and Kashmir government has issued a ban on the installation of temporary tents for night stays by tourists and visitors in Gurez, effective from July 15, 2024.
According to an order issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Gurez, the earlier permission for installing temporary tents, granted under order No: SDM/G/2024/245-49 dated May 28, 2024, has been revoked. The order noted that tourists and visitors have been leaving trash and garbage at camping sites, negatively impacting the environment and posing a risk of disease outbreaks.
“In view of the escalating threat to our delicate ecosystem and environment, immediate measures are necessary to protect these vulnerable areas. Therefore, a complete ban on the installation of temporary tents by tourists and visitors for personal use is hereby ordered,” reads the SDM Gurez’s directive.
The order specifies that tents rented out by locals to tourists will still be allowed, provided that the sites are kept clean and a sanitation fee is paid to the Rural Sanitation Department for waste collection.
This move aims to preserve the environmental integrity of Gurez while balancing tourism needs with sustainable practices, it added.
Meanwhile Deputy Commissioner Bandipora has constituted teams of officials to ensure the implementation of this order and monitor cleanliness in various areas.
The police and army authorities at Tragbal have been directed to ensure proper checking of all vehicles and enforce the ban effectively.
Block Development Officers in Gurez, Tulail, and Bagtore are instructed to assist the teams by providing garbage vehicles when needed, reads a directive issued by DC Bandipora.
Any violations will be reported to the concerned Tehsildar, who will impose fines on the violators, it added.