Illustrative image | High-altitude areas in Poonch placed under restrictions as part of security and public safety measures.
POONCH MIRRIOR NEWS DESK JANUARY 13,2026
Poonch, Jan 13: Poonch trekking ban: The district administration of Poonch has imposed a complete ban on trekking, camping, hiking and similar adventure activities in high-altitude areas of the border district, citing serious security and public safety concerns. The order, issued by the District Magistrate under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, has come into effect immediately and will remain valid for two months.
According to the official order, inputs received from security agencies and field functionaries highlighted serious safety and security concerns in certain high-altitude and forested areas falling within the jurisdiction of District Poonch. The administration noted that unrestricted movement of individuals and groups in such difficult terrain, particularly in adverse weather conditions, poses grave risks to public safety and may also lead to law and order complications.
The order explicitly prohibits trekking, camping, hiking and other similar outdoor or adventure pursuits across all high-altitude areas of the district. The restriction applies to individuals, groups, tour operators and adventure clubs, except those who have obtained prior written permission from the competent authority for official purposes. Security forces, emergency and essential services, and government officials on official duty have been exempted from the purview of the ban.
Officials said that the decision has been taken in view of the sensitive geographical and strategic nature of Poonch, a border district where even seemingly benign activities can have serious security implications. In recent times, concerns have been raised over the unregulated recording and circulation of videos and visual content from elevated and strategically important locations, often under the guise of trekking or recreational activities.
Security experts have repeatedly cautioned that detailed visual exposure of mountainous terrain, access routes, ridgelines and surrounding topography when made freely available on social media can inadvertently aid hostile elements by providing critical intelligence inputs. In the present era, where information and visuals have emerged as powerful tools in asymmetric warfare, such content can compromise operational security, regardless of the intent behind its creation.
The District Magistrate, exercising powers under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, directed the Senior Superintendent of Police, Poonch, to ensure strict implementation of the order and to regulate movement at naka and check-points. Any violation of the order will attract action under relevant provisions of law, the administration warned.
Notably, the issue of sensitive video recording from high-altitude areas had recently drawn public attention through media reports highlighting the potential national security risks associated with unregulated adventure activities in border regions. The administration’s swift action is being viewed in official circles as a preventive and precautionary measure aimed at addressing emerging threats before they escalate.
The order has been issued ex-parte in view of its emergent nature and has been addressed to the public at large. Copies have been forwarded to senior civil and police Offici, tourism authorities, district information officials and field officers to ensure wide dissemination through official channels, print media and electronic platforms.
The district administration has also appealed to the general public, particularly youth and social media users, to exercise responsibility and restraint, emphasizing that national security is a collective responsibility. Officials stressed that while promotion of tourism and natural beauty is important, it must never come at the cost of compromising the country’s security interests.
As Poonch continues to remain a strategically sensitive region, authorities have reiterated that cooperation from citizens is essential to maintain peace, safety and territorial integrity. The administration has indicated that further measures may be considered if the situation so warrants.
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