Srinagar, Jun 4 (UNI) In view of safety concerns, J&K Police on Thursday issued an advisory restricting tourist movement towards the Mulbangil–Batoo route via the Hajibal–Babareshi axis in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
The area falls in the forested and upper mountain stretches around Gulmarg and Tangmarg.
According to the advisory, police have observed a recent rise in the movement of tourists towards the interior areas of Mulbangil and Batoo, facilitated by some tourism service providers, guides and transport operators.
The police stated that the Qazipora–Ziran–Batoo–Mulbangil–Hajibal route is not part of the officially notified tourist circuit and passes through remote areas lacking adequate visitor support and emergency response facilities.
“In the interest of public safety and to prevent tourists from venturing into areas not designated for tourism activities, Police shall be regulating and prohibiting tourist movement towards the aforesaid route with immediate effect and until further notice,” the advisory by Police said.
Baramulla Police also advised all hotel owners, guest house operators, homestay owners, travel agencies, tour operators, taxi operators, tourist guides and pony operators not to facilitate, advertise or organise visits to the restricted areas.
The advisory warned that strict legal action would be taken against any individual or establishment found violating the directions or facilitating unauthorised tourist movement that could endanger visitor safety.
Police teams have been deployed at key locations to enforce the restrictions.
Tourists have been urged to cooperate with authorities and limit their visits to approved and established tourist destinations in the Tangmarg–Gulmarg area.
The police sought the cooperation of all stakeholders in ensuring the safety, convenience and welfare of visitors to the region.
