India, Oct. 15 -- The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has barred the operation of fuel-powered motorboats, including motorised shikaras and jet skis, on Dal Lake until further orders, citing concerns over pollution and the need to protect the lake's ecosystem.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Dr Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rajesh Sekhri passed the directions while hearing a petition filed by Mohammad Rafiq Mir and others concerning the licensing and operation of motorboats on Dal Lake.

The court observed that the existing system for granting permission to operate motorboats lacked uniformity and transparency. Concerns had also been raised over pollution, the number of permitted vessels and the ecological impac...