Srinagar: In a move aimed at safeguarding the fragile environment of the world-renowned health resort Sonamarg, the Sonamarg Development Authority on Saturday announced temporary restrictions on the operation of snow mobile bikes, confining their use to two designated locations.
According to an official circular issued by the Authority under reference number CEO/SDA/2025/3004-13 dated January 31, 2026, snow mobile bikes will, for the time being, be allowed to operate only near the Eco Environment Park at Shutkadi and Thajiwas Gate. The decision has been taken as part of broader efforts to protect the ecological balance of Sonamarg, which witnesses heavy tourist footfall during the winter season.
The circular states that a committee has been constituted to identify and recommend a permanent, fully designated area for snow mobile bike operations in Sonamarg. Once the committee submits its report, suitable permanent locations will be allotted to snow mobile bike owners. Until then, operations will remain restricted to the two specified sites.
The Authority has also imposed a cap, allowing only 20 snow mobile bikes per day at each of the designated locations. Any violation of these directions will attract legal action, including seizure of the vehicles involved.
It has further been clarified that snow mobile bikers operating near Thajiwas Gate will face strict legal consequences if they attempt to enter the meadow area, which remains environmentally sensitive and restricted.
To ensure effective enforcement of these measures, the Sonamarg Development Authority has established a dedicated enforcement wing. The wing has been tasked with monitoring snow mobile bike operations and taking action against any violations outside the permitted zones. The circular warns that failure on the part of the enforcement wing to act will result in legal action against the concerned officials by the Authority. [KNT]
