Pahalgam, May 05 — The Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA) has enforced a “one licence, one horse” policy for pony operators, with officials saying the step is necessary to regulate tourism activity, even as riders warn it could severely affect their income.
PDA Chief Executive Officer Mir Nasrool Hilal Jeri said the decision follows complaints of congestion and mismanagement caused by multiple horses being operated under a single licence.
“Every licensed operator will now be permitted to manage only one horse,” Jeri said. “The objective is to ensure accountability, maintain discipline, and improve the overall functioning of pony services.”
Officials said overcrowding on popular tourist routes had created inconvenience for visitors and raised safety concerns, necessitating stricter regulation.
The PDA has also made uniforms mandatory for operators and directed strict adherence to designated riding routes. Four enforcement teams have been deployed across key locations to ensure compliance, with more teams likely if required.
Authorities said standardised operations would improve monitoring and boost tourist confidence.
However, pony operators have strongly opposed the move, saying it undermines their primary source of income in a region heavily dependent on seasonal tourism.
“This is injustice and tantamount to depriving us of our right to earn a living,” several riders said.
They said many families depend on multiple horses to sustain themselves during the limited tourist season and have invested significant resources in maintaining them.
“We are not against regulation, but it should not come at the cost of our survival,” a rider said, urging the administration to hold consultations before implementing such decisions.
The operators have appealed for a review of the policy and suggested alternatives such as opening more routes and improving infrastructure to accommodate higher activity without restricting livelihoods.