The Baramulla Police in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday issued advisory, urging tourists to avoid travelling to areas that are not part of the approved tourist activities in the Tangmarg-Gulmarg region.
An official said restrictions have been imposed on tourist movement towards the Mulbangil-Batoo route through the Hajibal-Babareshi axis. The directions have come into effect immediately and will remain in force until further orders.
According to police, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of visitors heading towards the interior areas of Mulbangil and Batoo, located near the popular tourist destination of Gulmarg in north Kashmir.
Officials said in some cases, tourists are being taken to these locations by travel operators, guides and transport service providers. Police said the Qazipora-Ziran-Batoo-Mulbangil-Hajibal route was not an officially recognised tourist route. The stretch passes through remote areas where facilities for visitors and emergency assistance are limited.
To ensure the safety of tourists and prevent travel to locations not approved for tourism activities, police have decided to regulate and stop movement on the route until further notice.
All stakeholders, including hotel owners, guest house operators, homestay owners, travel agencies, tour operators, taxi drivers, tourist guides and pony operators, have been advised not to promote, arrange or facilitate visits to the restricted area.
Police personnel will be deployed at key points to implement the restrictions and monitor compliance with the advisory. Officials warned that anyone found violating the directions, assisting unauthorised visits or putting tourists at risk could face legal action under the relevant provisions of law.
Tourists have been urged to cooperate with authorities and limit their travel to approved and established tourist destinations in the Tangmarg-Gulmarg belt.
Police also appealed to tourism stakeholders to support efforts aimed at ensuring the safety, convenience and well-being of visitors to the region.
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