Police in J&K's Baramulla advises tourists not to travel to remote, inaccessible areas
Srinagar, June 4
The police in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Thursday advised tourists not to travel to remote and generally inaccessible areas in the district, officials said.
The police said in a statement that the Baramulla Police has observed a recent increase in the movement of tourists towards the interior areas of Mulbangil and Batoo along the Hajibal-Babareshi axis, facilitated in certain cases by tourism service providers, guides and transport operators.
People are advised that the Qazipora-Ziran-Batoo-Mulbangil-Hajibal route does not form part of the notified and established tourist circuit and traverses remote areas lacking adequate visitor support and emergency response facilities.
In the interest of public safety and to prevent tourists from venturing into areas not designated for tourism activities, the police would be regulating and prohibiting tourist movement towards the above route with immediate effect and until further notice.
All hotel owners, guest house operators, homestay owners, travel agencies, tour operators, taxi operators, tourist guides, pony operators and other stakeholders are advised not to facilitate, advertise, organise or encourage tourist visits towards the restricted area.
Police teams would be deployed at appropriate locations to enforce the restrictions.
Any individual, guide, operator, agency or establishment found violating these directions, facilitating unauthorised movement, or otherwise acting in a manner that endangers the safety of tourists would attract strict legal action under the relevant provisions of law.
Tourists are requested to cooperate with the authorities and confine their visits to approved and established tourist destinations in the Tangmarg-Gulmarg area.
The cooperation of all stakeholders is solicited in ensuring the safety, convenience and welfare of visitors.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has specifically notified spots of tourist interest and those among such destinations where travel is advised.
The general objective of the notified specific areas as tourist destinations is to ensure safe, easy and comfortable to and fro movement of tourists to such destinations.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good move, but why post this in June? This should have been done in April when the season starts. Still, better late than never. Hope tourists listen and stay safe. The valley's beauty is best enjoyed in designated spots. 🏔️
As someone from Canada, this makes total sense. Back home, authorities have strict regulations about backcountry travel without permits. J&K police are just looking out for visitors. Respect the rules, or risk getting stranded where there's no cell service!
I get it, but the way it's written feels a bit heavy-handed. Instead of just banning, why not develop basic amenities on these routes? Many tourists go to offbeat places for peace. But yes, safety first—so let's cooperate. 🤝
This is common sense. I was in Gulmarg last month and saw a group trying to hike to some unnamed lake via a local guide. That's asking for trouble! Kudos to Baramulla police for issuing this notice. Let's support local authorities, not exploit nature.
As a tourist from the US, I appreciate this clarity. In many countries, these notices are posted on government websites. But why is the police taking this step instead of the tourism department? Seems like coordination could be better. Still, sounds reasonable.
K We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.