In a significant decision, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has issued strict orders banning all commercial activities, including sledging and the use of snow scooters, at Zero Point of Zojila Pass. Additionally, the court has prohibited the use of polythene bags and plastic-related materials in the area to safeguard the fragile environment.
The ruling comes in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Abdul Wahid, councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) for Bhimbhat Drass, who highlighted concerns about illegal encroachments and environmental degradation in the region. The petition pointed out that unregulated tourism and human activities were causing habitat destruction, pollution, and disruption of wildlife, threatening rare species like the Himalayan Brown Bear and Snow Leopard.
Despite multiple deadlines, the administration of District Ganderbal failed to submit a response. Taking serious note of this, the court directed immediate action, issuing orders, to ban all commercial activities in and around Zero Point, including sledging and snow scooter operations, strictly prohibit plastic use, including polythene bags and plastic packaging and launch a cleanliness drive at Zojila Pass with the involvement of authorities from both UTs and NGOs.
The decision has been welcomed by environmentalists and residents, who have long demanded measures to protect Ladakh’s delicate ecosystem. Authorities have been urged to enforce the court’s directives strictly to maintain ecological balance in the region.
