Srinagar, Oct 15: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has banned fuel-powered motorboats and jet skis from being plied on Dal Lake till further order.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rajesh Sekhri on Wednesday issued the order on a petition filed by Mohammad Rafiq Mir.
“In the larger interest of justice, taking a comprehensive view of the submissions made, it is directed that the respondent authorities LCMA, Tourism, and Police shall ensure that no motor boat, whether it be a shikara motorboat or Jet Ski which operates by fuel, is operated in the Dal Lake until further orders,” the bench said in the order.
The court directed the officers concerned to act firmly against violations. “Therefore the officers concerned shall take a strict view by restricting and prohibiting such operations,” the order said.
The bench observed that protecting lake systems had become a growing concern and steps were being taken to stop activities that could cause pollution.
“It would be important that whatever policy is framed is more reasonable while balancing tourism activities, pollution, as well as the uniformity between the players involved,” the court said.
The bench said solar and electric boats could help balance the needs of tour operators with the protection of lakes. The government had earlier been directed to submit a comprehensive policy for motorised boats.
The court also asked senior additional advocate general Mohsin Qadri to examine whether fully motorised boats could be replaced with solar-powered electric engines. “Qadri shall also explore and bring it before this court whether complete motorisation can be substituted by solarised e-engines,” the bench said.
The case has been listed for its next hearing on October 30. Until further orders, fuel-powered motorboats and jet skis will remain prohibited on Dal Lake, except those used for specified emergency and safety purposes. (PTI)
Press Trust of India (PTI) is India’s premier news agency.
