High Court bans fuel-powered motorboats, jet skis on Dal Lake

Srinagar, Oct 15: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has banned fuel-powered motorboats and jet skis from operating on Dal Lake until further orders and directed the government to frame a comprehensive policy balancing tourism and pollution control.
According to a copy of the order, a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Dr Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rajesh Sekhri passed the directions while hearing a petition filed by Mohammad Rafiq Mir and others.
The court directed the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), Tourism Department and Police to ensure that no fuel-powered motorboat, including motorised shikaras, or jet ski operates on the lake.
It said any violation would amount to contempt of court and directed the authorities to take strict action against violators.
Boats used by the administration for emergency services, law and order, disaster management and safety have been exempted from the ban.
The petitioners raised concerns over the absence of uniform and transparent criteria for granting licences to motorboat operators and flagged the environmental impact of motorboats and jet skis on Dal Lake.
During the hearing, Senior Additional Advocate General Mohsin S. Qadri, appearing for the government, submitted that the authorities were committed to addressing pollution in the lake while balancing tourism and conservation.
He told the court that certain auctions for motorboats had taken place, while tourism licences had not been reviewed, and said the authorities would adopt a scientific and expert-oriented approach.
The Bench observed that the policy governing motorised boats should balance tourism, pollution control and uniformity among stakeholders. It noted that solar-powered and electric boats could provide alternatives to conventional fuel-powered craft.
The court directed the government to submit a comprehensive policy on motorised boats, prepared in consultation with experts, to minimise pollution while safeguarding tourism interests.
It also asked the government to explore replacing conventional engines with solar-powered or electric alternatives.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on October 30, 2026. (KNO)