Jammu and Kashmir High Court bars use of shikara motorboats, jet skis on Dal lake in Srinagar

Dal Lake. File | Photo Credit: ANI

The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) High Court on Thursday (October 15, 2026) barred the use of motorboats, both shikara motorboats and fuel-driven jet skis, on Dal Lake, and directed the government to explore the possibility of using solar-powered e-engines.  

“Taking a comprehensive view of the submissions made, it is directed that the authorities shall ensure that no motorboat, whether it be a shikara motorboat or Jet Ski which operates by fuel, is operated in the Dal Lake until further orders,” held J&K Chief Justice Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Judge Rajesh Sekhri.

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

“We direct that in case any motorised boat is allowed to ply or is reported to ply, it shall be held as contempt of today’s order of this court, and therefore the officers concerned shall take a strict view by restricting and prohibiting such operations,” held Justice Bhati and Justice Sekhri.