Bilal Bhat
Srinagar, Feb 8 2026:
Swift, decisive and uncompromising action by the Tourism Enforcement wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police has sent a clear message that ecological violations in Dal and Nigeen lakes will not be tolerated.
Within hours of a video report aired by Awami Reporter highlighting the illegal use of diesel-powered motors on shikaras in Nigeen Lake, Senior Superintendent of Police Tourism Enforcement, Dr S.D. Chowdhury (JKPS), personally intervened and ordered immediate action on the ground.
Acting on his directions, multiple teams of the Tourist Police, in coordination with the local police and SHO Nigeen, were dispatched to the area. The teams carried out intensive searches across the lake and adjoining waterways, identifying shikaras fitted with unauthorised diesel motors. Earlier in different operations hundreds of illegal motors were seized, dealing a major blow to those flouting tourism and environmental
norms for personal gain.
While speaking to Awami Reporter he said,” “This is not a one-time drive. The Tourism Enforcement Police have already conducted multiple inspections in the past, and these checks will continue with greater intensity. Any shikara owner found using illegal motors will face strict action as per law. There will be zero compromise when it comes to protecting Dal and Nigeen lakes.”
Today the enforcement drive was not symbolic but thorough, with police teams physically inspecting shikaras and tracking down those attempting to conceal or shift motors to evade action. The operation continued for several hours, reflecting the seriousness with which the matter was handled.
Beyond enforcement, the police also adopted a corrective approach. Shikara owners were counselled on the long-term ecological damage caused by diesel motors, including pollution of water, harm to aquatic life, and irreversible degradation of the fragile Dal–Nigeen ecosystem. Officers explained that such practices not only violate tourism laws but also threaten livelihoods dependent on the lake’s survival.
SSP Tourism Enforcement Dr S.D. Chowdhury issued a stern warning to violators, making it clear that repeated or deliberate violations would invite strict legal action under relevant environmental, tourism and police laws. He directed his teams to maintain sustained vigilance and ensure that illegal motors are not reintroduced under any pretext.
Senior police officials said the operation reflects a zero-tolerance policy towards activities that damage Kashmir’s natural heritage and undermine responsible tourism. “Dal and Nigeen are not just tourist attractions; they are living ecosystems. Any compromise on their protection is unacceptable,” an officer involved in the drive said.
The prompt action has been widely appreciated by environmentalists, tourism stakeholders and local residents, who said the crackdown restored faith in enforcement mechanisms and sent a strong deterrent message.
The operation, led under the direct supervision of SSP Tourism Enforcement Dr S.D. Chowdhury, is being seen as a decisive step in safeguarding Kashmir’s iconic lakes and reinforcing the rule of law in tourism zones.
