PDA bans lighting fire in forest area

June 7, 2022

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The Patnitop Development Authority on Monday banned cooking, lighting fire and throwing garbage waste in the forest area of Patnitop tourist spot in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir.

As per order issued by the Chief Executive Officer, PDA, Sher Singh, it has been observed that a large number of tourists visiting Patnitop area cook food by lighting fire or burning gas stove in the dense forest areas, which is detrimental to the forest ecosystem and can also result into a major forest fire, which could lead to a major tragedy.

“Tourists also carry banned items which they throw in the open forest area or burn them there, which is also proving detrimental to forest ecosystem, can catch fire and is also creating environmental hazards, pollution, choking of lanes/drains.

“A complete ban has been imposed on cooking, lighting of fire or burning of gas stove and throwing of any kind of waste in the forest areas of Patnitop and around,” he said and directed the concerned authorities to implement the order in letter and spirit.

“Specific deployment of officers will be made, so that the goal of fire free forest is achieved while Forest Protection Force shall conduct special drive on regular basis with concerned police authorities to keep a strict vigil on such type of activities in and around Patnitop area,” he added and said that the tourist Police deployed at Patnitop shall monitor the campaign and take action against violators who shall be booked and fine to the tune of Rs.1000 to Rs.3000 shall be recovered from them.