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J&K's Poonch Bans Trekking & Camping Over Security Threats

The District Magistrate of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir has prohibited trekking, camping, and hiking in all high-altitude forest areas of the district with immediate effect. The order cites specific security inputs from agencies and concerns over public safety due to terrain and potential law-and-order issues. It applies to all individuals, groups, and tour operators, requiring prior written permission for any exceptions. The ban follows similar restrictions in Kulgam and coincides with ongoing anti-terrorist operations in the region's forested areas.

Key Points: Poonch Bans Trekking, Camping in Forest Areas for Security

  • Security agency inputs prompted ban
  • Activities pose public safety risk
  • Order under new criminal code BNSS
  • Violators face legal action
2 min read

Trekking, camping, hiking prohibited in J&K's Poonch for security reasons

Poonch district bans all trekking, camping, and hiking in high-altitude forest areas citing security inputs and public safety risks.

"Trekking, camping, hiking... are hereby prohibited in all high altitude areas of district Poonch with immediate effect. - Ashok Kumar Sharma"

Jammu, Jan 13

The District Magistrate of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch on Tuesday banned trekking, camping, hiking and similar activities in the forested areas of the district, citing security reasons.

An order issued by Poonch DM said, "...whereas inputs have been received from security agencies and field functionaries regarding security and safety concerns in certain high altitude and forested areas falling within the jurisdiction of Poonch district. And, whereas it has been reported that unrestricted movement of individuals and groups poses a serious risk to public safety due to difficult terrain, adverse weather conditions and other unforeseen hazards.And, whereas trekking, camping, hiking and similar outdoor pursuits in high altitude areas are likely to adversely affect public safety and may also lead to law and order complications."

"Now, therefore, I Ashok Kumar Sharma, JKAS, district magistrate Poonch, in exercise of powers conferred in me under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, hereby order as under: Trekking, camping, hiking and similar outdoor/adventure activities are hereby prohibited in all high altitude areas of district Poonch with immediate effect. The restriction shall apply to all individuals, groups, tour operators and adventure clubs except those having prior written permission from the competent authority for official purposes," said the order.

The security forces, emergency and essential services and government officials on official duty have been exempted from the purview of this order.

The order said that any "person found violating this order shall be liable for action under the relevant provisions of law".

"Senior Superintendent of Police Poonch shall ensure the implementation of this order and regulate movement at naka/checkpoints," the order said.

A similar order was earlier issued by the District Magistrate of Kulgam in the Valley pertaining to high-altitude and forested areas in the Kokernag sub-division of the district.

The order follows aggressive anti-terrorist operations being carried out by J&K Police and the security forces in high-altitude, densely forested areas of the union territory.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Understandable from a security standpoint, but it's a real blow to local tourism and the livelihoods of guides and homestay owners. The administration should also think about support measures for them during this ban.
V
Vikram M
Fully support this. We often forget that our armed forces and police are putting their lives on the line in these areas. Civilians venturing into sensitive zones only complicates their operations. Jai Hind.
R
Rohit P
It's sad, but security agencies must have solid intelligence. Remember what happened with the tourists in Bhaderwah? Better safe than sorry. Hope the operations are successful and the ban is temporary.
M
Michael C
While I respect the need for safety, a blanket ban feels extreme. Couldn't there be a regulated permit system with mandatory security escorts? This completely cuts off access to nature for responsible citizens.
P
Priya S
My heart goes out to the adventure clubs and tour operators. Their entire season is gone. The government should provide a clear timeline and maybe promote alternative, safer trekking routes in other parts of J&K meanwhile.

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