The J&K High Court ordered authorities to stop fuel-powered boats on Dal Lake. The move prioritises pollution control while encouraging solar and electric alternatives.
Stock photo used for illustration
Srinagar,Oct 15, 2026 19:16 IST
The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has banned fuel-powered motorboats and jet skis from operating on Dal Lake until further orders, news agency Press Trust of India reported.
The court also warned that any violation of its order would be treated as contempt of court. Boats used for emergency services, law and order, disaster management and safety have been exempted from the ban.
A division bench of Chief Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rajesh Sekhri issued the order on Wednesday while hearing a petition filed by Mohammad Rafiq Mir.
According to PTI, the bench said: "In the larger interest of justice, taking a comprehensive view of the submissions made, it is directed that the respondent authorities LCMA, Tourism, and Police shall ensure that no motor boat, whether it be a shikara motorboat or Jet Ski which operates by fuel, is operated in the Dal Lake until further orders."
The court directed the officers concerned to act firmly against violations. "Therefore the officers concerned shall take a strict view by restricting and prohibiting such operations," the order said.
The bench observed that protecting lake systems had become a growing concern and steps were being taken to stop activities that could cause pollution.
"It would be important that whatever policy is framed is more reasonable while balancing tourism activities, pollution, as well as the uniformity between the players involved," the court said.
The bench said solar and electric boats could help balance the needs of tour operators with the protection of lakes. The government had earlier been directed to submit a comprehensive policy for motorised boats.
The court also asked senior additional advocate general Mohsin Qadri to examine whether fully motorised boats could be replaced with solar-powered electric engines. "Qadri shall also explore and bring it before this court whether complete motorisation can be substituted by solarised e-engines," the bench said.
The case has been listed for its next hearing on October 30. Until further orders, fuel-powered motorboats and jet skis will remain prohibited on Dal Lake, except those used for specified emergency and safety purposes.
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