Tent permission in Gulmarg: Adventurers urge GDA to notify camping zones

Srinagar, Jul 14: Days after the authorities in Gulmarg called for seeking permission for installing tents across the tourist place, the tourism stakeholders have urged the authorities to notify the camping zones.
Manzoor Pakhtoon, a prominent tourism stakeholder in the valley, said that the Gulmarg Development Authority’s decision to put a bar on uncontrolled camping at any eco-fragile zone is a welcome step; however, they should notify the camping zones where everyone can go and enjoy, after securing proper permission.
“Adventure tourism is altogether different from routine picnics. A lot of people these days, especially the locals, prefer camping for days and love to stay in tents. There is nothing wrong in securing permission for that, but authorities should equally notify the specified camping zones where one can install a tent,” he said.
Pakhtoon said the camping zone notified for the installation of tents should have arrangements for temporary washrooms and a proper mechanism for waste management. A specified set of guidelines should be issued for aspiring campers, he said.
Securing proper permission for the installation of tents should not lead to the discouragement of camping adventure and trekking lovers. “However, it should be done under the set guidelines keeping in view the eco-fragile environment,” he added.
Last week, Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) in a circular asked all the stakeholders to obtain proper permission for installing tents at the famous ski resort in order to maintain the eco-fragile environment in the area.
According to the circular, it was observed that some tourists and visitors were installing temporary tents on green meadow, hill stock for night stay at Gulmarg without any proper permission from the competent authority, following which the authorities barred the open access to the installation of tents.
Citing the provisions of the Development Act 1970, the authorities in the circular said this unlawful act has resulted in the destruction of greens and the accumulation of excess waste and putting tremendous pressure on the manpower causing inconvenience to the tourists.
In order to maintain the eco-fragile environment in the area, all the stakeholders of Gulmarg Development Authority, visitors, and tourists are advised to follow the rules and regulations and obtain proper permission before installation of tents so that any untoward incident is averted, otherwise, action, as warranted under rules, shall be initiated against violators, the circular mentioned.