The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has raised serious concerns over ongoing “overlanding” activities in the forests and meadows of Haijan, Branwar, Mechkhanian, and Ashrat areas in Jammu and Kashmir, calling it both illegal and environmentally destructive. The group has urged authorities to take immediate action, warning that continued activity could cause irreversible damage to fragile ecosystems.

Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, Convenor of EPG, said participants are aware of the illegality of their actions but continue with impunity. “Citing practices in countries like Australia or South Africa is no justification. We are governed by our own laws,” he asserted.
Video footage reportedly shows forest trails being destroyed and meadows degraded by vehicular movement. Bakshi emphasized that areas like Haijan, Branwar, and Mechkhanian are already bearing the brunt of such recklessness. He noted that around 3,60,000 kanals of forest land have been encroached upon for illegal activities, including unregulated vehicle use.
Recalling past interventions, Bakshi cited the case of Thajwas Glacier in Sonamarg, where EPG successfully secured a ban on vehicular movement through the High Court, which remains in effect. He warned that similar legal action could be sought again if necessary.
“The forests are the natural habitat of wildlife. Any activity disturbing the ecosystem is not only illegal but also morally wrong,” he said. Bakshi dismissed claims that the trails are unguarded and therefore open for use, stressing the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate activities.
He appealed to the youth to act responsibly and desist from damaging forests, highlighting that reckless behavior increases human-animal conflicts. The EPG also called on the Forest Department, District Administration, and other concerned authorities to intervene immediately. “If the government fails to act, it will take just a short time for the High Court to impose a ban. The time to act is now—before these meadows and forests are lost forever,” he concluded.