Valley Online News
SONAMARG: Continuing its long-standing campaign to safeguard Sonamarg’s fragile ecosystem—an issue consistently highlighted by Valley Online—the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) has imposed temporary restrictions on the operation of snow mobile bikes, confining their use to only two designated locations.
As per an official circular issued under reference number CEO/SDA/2025/3004-13 dated January 31, 2026, snow mobile bikes will, for the time being, be permitted to operate only near the Eco Environment Park at Shutkadi and Thajiwas Gate. The decision aims to minimise environmental damage during the peak winter tourist season.
The circular further states that a committee has been constituted to identify and recommend permanent, fully designated zones for snow mobile bike operations. Once the committee submits its report, suitable locations will be officially allotted to bike owners. Until then, operations will remain restricted to the two notified sites.
In another significant measure, the SDA has capped the number of snow mobile bikes at 20 per day at each location. Any violation of the prescribed norms may invite strict legal action, including the seizure of vehicles.
The Authority has also made it clear that snow mobile operators near Thajiwas Gate are strictly prohibited from entering the meadow area, which has been declared environmentally sensitive. Any breach will be dealt with firmly under law.
To ensure effective implementation, a dedicated monitoring wing has been established to supervise snow mobile bike operations and take action against violators. The circular warns that failure on the part of enforcement officials to act against offenders will result in legal action by the Authority.
Valley Online, which has consistently raised concerns over the unchecked use of snow mobile bikes and their impact on Sonamarg’s natural environment, has repeatedly advocated for such regulatory steps to preserve the region’s ecological balance.
