LEH: In view of rising water levels in rivers, streams and water channels coupled with prevailing adverse weather conditions across Ladakh, the Union Territory’s Department of Tourism has issued a comprehensive advisory urging tourists, visitors and all tourism stakeholders to exercise extreme caution.
The advisory comes as several parts of Ladakh have witnessed intense rainfall and flash flood incidents in recent days, prompting authorities to step up safety measures to safeguard residents and visitors.
The Tourism Department has appealed to tourists, bikers, tour operators, hoteliers, transport providers and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and strictly follow advisories, warnings and instructions issued by the District Administration, Police Department, Disaster Management Authorities and other competent agencies.
As part of the advisory, visitors have been asked to avoid venturing near rivers, streams, nallahs, bridges and other water bodies where water levels have risen significantly. The department has also advised against trekking, camping, riverside activities and travelling through vulnerable areas unless the concerned authorities have declared them safe.
Motorists have been urged to drive cautiously, especially on waterlogged roads and stretches susceptible to landslides and flash floods. The advisory further recommends regularly monitoring official weather forecasts and government updates through authorised communication channels.
The department has also called upon tourists to cooperate with local authorities and emergency response teams and to promptly comply with any travel restrictions, diversions or evacuation orders that may be issued in the interest of public safety.
Tour operators, hoteliers and tourism service providers have been directed to keep visitors informed about the prevailing weather conditions and ensure that all prescribed safety protocols are strictly followed.
Emphasising that the safety and well-being of both residents and visitors remain the highest priority, the Tourism Department cautioned against spreading or relying on unverified information. It urged everyone to obtain updates only from official government sources.
The advisory further advises tourists to closely follow verified weather alerts, travel advisories and updates issued through the official social media handles and communication channels of the Department of Tourism, UT Ladakh, and the UT Administration. With weather conditions expected to remain unstable, authorities have reiterated their appeal to all visitors to stay alert, stay informed and prioritise safety while travelling across the region.
