Srinagar, Oct. 16 -- The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has banned fuel-powered motorboats and jet skis from being plied on Dal Lake till further order.

Citing the 'threat of pollution' to Dal Lake and the absence of clear, transparent licensing criteria for motorised craft, the High Court barred all fuel-operated motorboats, including shikara motorboats and jet skis, from the lake until further orders. It also warned that any violation would amount to contempt of court.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rajesh Sekhri passed the order in a petition filed by one Mohammad Rafiq Mir and others, who had originally sought a direction to the Deputy Director Tourism, Registration, to respond to ...