Srinagar, Jun 30: The district administration Anantnag has barred day picnickers from visiting Pahalgam, a famous tourist place in the district on weekends in a bid to prevent a possible COVID-19 resurgence.

The administration in order issued in this regard has stated that a large number of tourists after pitching tents in an unregulated manner was posing plausible danger to fragile eco-system of the tourist place.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag Dr. Piyush Singla said that the situation is being closely monitored by the district administration Anantnag as huge rush of visitors was witnessed in Pahalgam.

In view of the ongoing Covid situation, the administration decided to take some measures and for now the day picnickers have been barred on Saturdays and Sundays.

“However, those with the proofs of confirmed bookings shall be allowed to proceed towards Pahalgam”, he said.

An order issued by the Deputy Commissioner Anantnag reads that a large number of local tourist are thronging Pahalgam tourist destination especially on the weekends, and heavy influx of tourists poses danger of resurgence of Covid-19 pandemic.

“It has been also observed that a large number of tourists are pitching tents in an unregulated manner at a number of places in the meadows of Pahalgam tourist resort, thereby posing plausible danger to the fragile ecosystem of the tourist place,” the order said.

To prevent the spread of covid-19 infection and save the eco- system of the tourist destination, DC has directed that on Saturday and Sunday, only such persons / tourists shall be allowed to proceed towards Pahalgam who possess a proof of confirmed booking in the hotels of Pahalgam, no day-picnickers shall be allowed to visit Pahalgam on Saturdays and Sundays.

“A fine of Rs 1000 shall be imposed on locals, tourists and hotel staff found roaming without masks, the order said, adding the order read”, reads the order.