Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 2: The Sonamarg Development Authority has ordered a complete ban on the movement of ponies along footpaths, the National Highway, and roadside areas in Sonamarg, citing damage to public infrastructure and risks to pedestrian safety.
In an official communication addressed to the Incharge Tourist Police, Sonamarg, the authority said the decision follows a report from the Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal, highlighting damage to roadside assets and misuse of pedestrian pathways along the highway.
“It has been found that ponies are being allowed to move over footpaths and portions of the National Highway, resulting in damage to public assets and serious inconvenience to pedestrians and commuters,” the order states.
The authority termed the issue “serious,” noting its impact on public safety, cleanliness, infrastructure preservation, and the overall environment of the tourist destination.
The SDA has directed immediate and strict enforcement, stating that pony movement on footpaths, highways, and roadside areas “shall be completely prohibited under all circumstances.”
Officials said a designated pony stand at Shutkadi has already been established for operators, and all pony handlers must remain confined to the notified area.
Movement toward meadows, roadsides, or pedestrian pathways has been strictly barred, with any violation to be treated as a “serious offence.”
Authorities have also called for daily monitoring, regular patrolling, and strict action against violators, warning that “non-compliance shall not be tolerated at any level.”
In related directions issued to enforcement agencies, including the ARTO and local police, the SDA has ordered that vehicles be restricted to the Old Truck Yard and designated bypass routes.
Use of the National Highway, tunnel bridge, right-side areas, and meadow zones by vehicles has been prohibited.
A monitoring team will be deployed near the Transit Camp bridge to ensure compliance and prevent vehicles from entering restricted zones in Sonamarg.
The directive comes in the context of ongoing works related to the Zoji La Tunnel and associated road infrastructure, where authorities have flagged damage to assets under the project.
The SDA has asked all concerned departments, including Police and tourism officials, to ensure strict compliance and submit action-taken reports, terming the matter “most urgent.”
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