Jammu and Kashmir High Court bans fuel-powered shikara motorboats, jet skis in Dal Lake to curb pollution

The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has imposed an interim ban on the operation of all fuel-powered motorboats, including motorised shikara boats and jet skis, at Dal Lake [Mohammad Rafiq Mir & Ors. vs UT of J&K & Ors].

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rajesh Sekhri passed the interim order citing concerns about damage to the natural ecosystem and mounting pollution levels.

"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 motorboat, whether it be a shikara motorboat, or Jet Ski which operates by fuel, is operated in the Dal Lake until further orders," the Court ordered.

By the October 14 order, the Court has directed the Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), the Tourism Department, and the Police to enforce the restriction with immediate effect until further orders.

The Bench also cautioned that any violation of the Court's direction will invite proceedings for contempt of court.

"We direct that in case any motorized boat is allowed to ply or is reported to ply, it shall be held as contempt of today's order of this court, and therefore the officers concerned shall take a strict view by restricting and prohibiting such operations," the Court stated.

The Court, however,clarified that government vessels used for emergency services, disaster management, safety, and law and order operations, are exempt from its order.

The Court passed the order on a plea concerning the licensing and renewal of permission to operate motorboats on Dal Lake. The petitioners highlighted that the entire framework for permitting motorboats suffered from an absence of transparent criteria.

They submitted that shifting licensing from tourism authorities to the Road Transport Office (RTO) had left operators in limbo. They sought directions to ensure uniform, transparent, and environmentally balanced criteria for the grant of boat licences.

The acknowleged that a regulated and protected approach was required since motorised vessels are likely to damage the lake's ecosystem.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration's counsel submitted that authorities are committed to maintaining the lake’s sanctity by taking a scientific approach while balancing tourism activities.

The Bench observed that in modern times, civilizational concerns demand eliminating polluting activities from lake systems. It remarked that the transition to clean energy could resolve the tension between ecology and commerce.

"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 Bench noted.

It proceeded to direct the Jammu and Kashmir administration to formulate a comprehensive motorised boat policy in consultation with experts, keeping in mind the need to balance the interests of tourism and pollution control.

"Mr. Qadri (government counsel) shall also explore and bring it before this court whether complete motorization can be substituted by solarized e-engines," the Court added.

The matter will be heard next on October 30, 2026.

Senior Counsel BA Bashir and advocate Falak Bashir represented the petitioners.

Senior Additional Advocate General Mohsin S Qadri represented the Jammu and Kashmir administration.

[Read Order]