![Snow bikes in Gulmarg: NGT asks J&K's forest deptt to look into complaints [Read Order]](/secure/uploads/2023/04/lj_9362_0e6f96d2-8e8f-495e-82d5-3b10cd2cc942.jpg)
NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal has asked the Jammu and Kashmirs Forest Department to look into complaints regarding the operation of snow bikes in and around Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary and Eco Sensitive Zone.
The principal bench led by Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel passed the order after hearing a plea by Mushtaq Ahmad Malik for restraining the Jammu and Kashmir Government from allowing the snow bike operators to ply their vehicles at Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary and Eco Sensitive Zone.
The petitioner contended snow bikes used petrol which has harmful impact on the ecology. Weight of the bikes impacts the soil and the vegetation underneath the snow. Such activities also result in encroachments and loss of grasslands, he contended.
In its order, the green panel noted that the states Forest and Environment Department has already written to the Tourism Department Director asking it to stop the entry of snow bikes in Gulmarg Wildlife sanctuary immediately
"Allowing the snow bike operators to ply their vehicles in Gulmarg wildlife sanctuary at Kangdori, which is illegal and an offence under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972," the Forest and Environment Department of the Jammu and Kashmir had said in its communications to the Tourism department.
"Due to these snow bikes the natural habitat of many wild animals is being disturbed and forcing these animals to leave their natural habitat and settle down in human habitation which leads to many man animal conflicts. In view of above and to avoid such incidents your goodself is requested to pass directions to stop the entry of snow bikes in Gulmarg wildlife sanctuary immediately, the Forest Department had said in its letter.
"On due consideration but without expressing any opinion on merits at this stage, we consider it appropriate to direct that the matter be looked into and such remedial action taken in accordance with law as found appropriate by the ACS, Forest and Environment, J & K," the panel said.
