Jammu and Kashmir High Court bans use of motor shikaras, jet skis on Srinagar’s Dal Lake

Lake Dal. File | Photo credit: ANI

The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) High Court on Thursday (Oct 15, 2026) banned the use of motor boats, both shikara motor boats and fuel-powered jet skis, on Dal Lake and ordered the government to explore the possibility of using solar-powered e-motors.

“After a comprehensive look at the submissions made, it is directed that the authorities ensure that no motor boat, whether it is a motor boat shikara or a jet ski, which runs on fuel, shall not be operated in the Dal Lake until further orders,” J&K Chief Justice Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rajesh Sekhri.

The Division Bench directed the J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority (J&K LCMA), Tourism Department and J&K Police to implement the order.

“We order that in case any motorized vessel is allowed to sail or is reported to be sailing, it shall be held in contempt of today’s order of this court and therefore the officers concerned shall take a stern view and restrict and prohibit such operations,” Justice Bhati and Justice Sekhri said.

However, the court exempted ships used by the administration and authorities for rescue services, public order and disaster management purposes.

“The court does not hesitate to state that solar boats and electric boats could be a solution to balance the justice between tourism and lake sustenance,” the judges noted.

The court further stated, “Based on the limited propositions that have been dealt with, this court is of the opinion that in modern times, when lake systems have become a growing concern of civilization, steps are being taken to exclude activities that would cause pollution and it would also be important that any policy be more reasonable in balancing tourism activities, pollution and also uniformity among the players involved.”

BA Bashir, Senior Advocate and Falak Bashir, Advocate argued the case in the court for criteria that are uniform, transparent and eco-friendly. “Jet skis, motor boats or anything motorized that is in the lake is likely to damage the ecosystem of the lake and therefore a regulated and protective approach to this matter needs to be taken in a uniform manner,” Mr Bashir and Ms Falak told the court.

Dal Lake is a major tourist attraction in Kashmir. However, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report indicated that the lake witnessed a 10.15% reduction in open water area, “falling from 15.40 square kilometers in 2007 to 12.91 square kilometers in 2020”. The lake is also marked by encroachment and increasing construction in its immediate vicinity.

Published – 15 Oct 2026 14:24 IST