J-K News: The authorities on Tuesday announced a ban on trekking, camping, hiking, and similar outdoor activities in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district for the next two months. In an advisory, the officials stated that the ban was being imposed due to the adverse weather conditions and public safety, adding that strict action will be taken against the violators. Poonch District Magistrate Ashok Kumar Sharma stated that the restriction was announced after receiving inputs from security agencies regarding the safety concerns in the forest regions of the district. However, he clarified that security forces, emergency services, and government officials will get the exemption from this order.
In its advisory, the authority stated that unrestricted movement of individuals poses a risk to the public safety in the region. "It has been reported that unrestricted movement of individuals and groups in such areas poses a serious risk to public safety due to difficult terrain, adverse weather conditions, and other unforeseen hazards," the administration stated in its order.
Apart from this, the Poonch District Magistrate stated that the restriction was imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS). He further stated that the decision was taken after receiving inputs from the agencies regarding security concerns in the high-altitude and forest regions of the district.
He further stated that the prohibition applies to individuals, groups, tour operators, and adventure clubs; however, security forces, emergency services, and government officials have been exempted. "Any person found violating the order shall be liable for action under the relevant provisions of law," the order said, reported PTI.
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The Poonch District Magistrate has directed the Senior Superintendent of Police to ensure strict enforcement of the ban, adding that the order would come into force with immediate effect.