Jaisalmer: The forest department has restricted tourist access to the Sam Sand Dunes after sunset and banned laser lights at nighttime cultural events in the Sam and Kanoi areas of Jaisalmer’s Desert National Park to protect wildlife and the fragile desert ecosystem.The restrictions also prohibit camel safaris, sightseeing, and other tourism activities in designated dune areas after sunset. The department has warned of action against violators.Regional forest officer (Tourism and Wildlife), Jaisalmer, Ajgar Ali, has written to the Jaisalmer Hotel Association, directing hotels, camel safari operators and other tourism stakeholders to ensure strict compliance.The department said some hotels in Sam and Kanoi had been dumping waste within the sanctuary area. Tourists visiting the dunes have also been found littering, with plastic bags, glass bottles, and other garbage posing a threat to wildlife and the natural environment.The department has directed hotel operators to ensure proper disposal of waste and prevent tourists from littering the dunes. Plastic bags, glass bottles and other forms of garbage must not be discarded in the desert.Hotel operators have been directed to ensure proper waste disposal, prevent littering and sensitise guests about keeping the dunes clean. The department termed waste dumping in the protected area a violation of directions issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).Laser lights have also been prohibited during nighttime cultural programmes at hotels in the area, as they could disturb wild animals and affect their natural habitat.Ali said compliance was essential to conserve the Desert National Park’s fragile ecosystem and protect wildlife habitats.
