Politics · India · 2 hrs ago
J&K High Court bars fuel-powered boats from Dal Lake
The J&K High Court has barred fuel-powered boats on Srinagar’s Dal Lake, including motorised shikaras and jet skis.
The order takes effect immediately and would stop 166 fuel-powered vessels from operating.
Boats used by the administration for emergencies, law and order, disaster management and rescue are exempt.
The court cited pollution and said authorities should balance tourism with the need to protect the lake.
It asked the government to consult experts and consider solar-powered or battery-run boats as alternatives.
The case began with boat owners challenging the failure to renew their licences, saying it harmed their rights to work and earn a living.
The court is due to hear the case again on October 30, after the government prepares a policy on cleaner boats.
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court barred fuel-powered motorboats, including motorised shikaras and jet skis, from operating on Dal Lake.
The order took immediate effect and applies to 166 vessels.
The court cited pollution and asked the government to explore solar-powered or battery-run alternatives.
Boats used by the administration for emergency services, law and order, disaster management and rescue operations are exempt.
The case arose from petitions by boat owners over the transport department’s failure to renew their licences.
The court is due to hear the case again on October 30.
- Who
- The Jammu and Kashmir High Court issued the order; the petitions were brought by owners of fuel-powered boats.
- What
- The court barred fuel-powered motorboats from operating on Dal Lake, with specified government-service exemptions.
- When
- The order was issued Thursday and took effect immediately. The next hearing is scheduled for October 30.
- Where
- Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
- Why
- The court cited pollution and asked the government to consider cleaner alternatives while balancing tourism and the lake’s health.
Fuel-powered boat owners
Jammu and Kashmir High Court
Licences and livelihoods
Fuel-powered boat owners
The owners argued that delays in renewing their licences violated their fundamental rights to life and livelihood.
Jammu and Kashmir High Court
The court barred fuel-powered boats from operating on the lake, citing pollution.
Owners of fuel-powered boats petitioned the High Court over the transport department’s failure to renew their licences.
The High Court ordered fuel-powered motorboats to stop operating on Dal Lake, with immediate effect.
The case is scheduled to be heard again.
- Affected vessels
- 166 fuel-powered boats
- Location
- Dal Lake, Srinagar
- Exemptions
- Government boats used for emergency services, law and order, disaster management and rescue operations
- Alternatives under consideration
- Solar-powered or battery-run boats
- Next hearing
- October 30
What people are saying
In case any motorised boat is allowed to ply, it shall be held as contempt of today’s order
Solar boats and electric (battery) boats could be a solution for balancing the equities between tourism and sustenance of the lake