The J&K High Court banned all fuel-powered motorboats and jet skis in Dal Lake until further orders. The court said, “This court is not hesitant to observe that solar boats and electric boats could be a solution.” Authorities must now create a new policy to protect the lake from pollution.
Ban on fuel-powered motorboats, jet skis
The directions came while hearing a petition on the licensing and renewal process for motorboats operating in Dal Lake. It was argued that the process of granting permission for motorboats needs to be uniform, transparent, and environmentally sound. It was also submitted that jet skis, motorboats, or anything that is motorable is likely to damage the lake’s ecosystem, and hence, a regulated and protective approach needs to be adopted in a uniform manner.
The government’s counsel submitted that Dal Lake pollution is an issue which the authorities wish to address and ensure that the lake’s sanctity is maintained while drawing a balance between tourist activities and the cleanliness of the lake.
It was further added that Dal Lake has a significant role in the civilisation of this territory due to which the authorities are strongly committed to its betterment and will take a scientific and expert-oriented approach to decide licensing issues related to tourism activities, particularly where a motor is used.
The court noted that in modern times, when lake systems have become a growing concern for civilisation, steps are being taken to exclude activities which would cause pollution. The bench stressed that 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.
“This court is not hesitant to observe that solar boats and electric boats could be a solution for balancing the equities between tourism and the sustenance of lakes,” the court said.
It thus ordered, “The respondent authorities LCMA, Tourism, and Police shall ensure that no motorboat, whether it be a shikara motorboat, or Jet Ski which operates by fuel, is operated in the Dal Lake until further orders.”
Any violation of the direction would amount to contempt of court, the court warned, and directed the authorities to strictly restrict and prohibit such operations. It, however, clarified that boats used by the administration and other authorities for emergency services, law and order, disaster management and safety are exempted from the prohibition.
The court also directed the Jammu and Kashmir administration to formulate a comprehensive policy on motorised boats in consultation with experts, keeping in view the need to minimise pollution while balancing tourism and environmental concerns.