GANDERBAL, February 19, 2026 : In a significant enforcement action to ensure tourist safety and maintain order in the sensitive tourist zone of Sonamarg, Ganderbal Police on Wednesday launched a special drive against unregistered service providers, detaining 11 photographers found operating without valid authorization.
The targeted crackdown was carried out as part of intensified efforts to regulate services in high-footfall tourist areas and prevent inconvenience, exploitation, or any potential security risks to visitors. During the operation, police teams identified 11 individuals providing photography services without mandatory registration and detained them under relevant provisions of Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
All detained photographers were subsequently produced before the Executive Magistrate, Gund, for further legal proceedings, officials said.
Focus on Safety and Regulation
Police officials stated that the action was necessitated due to the security sensitivity of Sonamarg, which attracts a large number of domestic and international tourists. Regulating service providers, they said, is essential to ensure professionalism, accountability, and a secure environment for visitors.
Awareness Drive Conducted
Alongside enforcement, the police team from Police Station Sonamarg also carried out an awareness and sensitisation exercise. Service providers present in the area were briefed on the code of conduct to be followed while dealing with tourists, with emphasis on:
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Lawful and registered operations
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Professional and courteous behaviour
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Avoidance of harassment or overcharging
Police Warning
Ganderbal Police reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and tourist-friendly atmosphere in Sonamarg and other tourist destinations of the district. Authorities have appealed to all service providers to obtain proper registration and comply strictly with legal norms, warning that strict legal action will continue against violators in the interest of public safety and effective tourism management.
