Amid security concerns, J&K bans trekking, camping in some high-altitude areas

Srinagar, Jan 2: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district have prohibited trekking, camping, hiking, and all similar outdoor activities in the high-altitude areas of Margan Top, Chauhar Nag, and Sinthan Top with immediate effect.

The move follows inputs from police and other security agencies regarding concerns in certain high-altitude and forested areas falling within the jurisdiction of Sub-Division Kokernag. All three areas — Margan Top, Chauhar Nag, and Sinthan Top —are connected administratively or geographically to the Kokernag Sub-Division.

“Inputs have been received from the police and security agencies about security concerns in certain high-altitude and forested areas falling within the jurisdiction of Sub-Division Kokernag. In recent incidents, certain persons attempted to cross police naka/check-points during late night hours, raising serious concerns relating to public safety,” Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Kokernag, Prince Kumar, said in an order issued on Friday.

It added that unrestricted movement and activities such as trekking, camping, hiking and similar outdoor pursuits in the areas of Margan Top, Chauhar Nag, and Sinthan Top are likely to adversely affect public safety and security.

The SDM ordered that trekking, camping, hiking, and all similar outdoor activities are hereby prohibited in these areas with immediate effect, in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

“The Station House Officer, Larnoo, will ensure strict implementation of this order and regulate movement at all naka/check-points,” the order read. The general public has been directed to strictly comply with the order.

“Any violation will invite action as per law. This order will remain in force for a period of two months from the date of issuance, unless withdrawn earlier or extended as per law.”

Earlier this week, Jammu and Kashmir police issued an advisory imposing strict restrictions on trekking in the upper forest areas of Tangmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. The police advisory prohibited the entry of non-local tourists in Danwas forests near Gulmarg and directed locals to obtain permission before venturing into these forests.

Following the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, last year, the Jammu and Kashmir government had banned all trekking activities and closed over 50 public tourist destinations. While several of these destinations have since reopened, many remain closed. (Agencies)