Jaipur: Unauthorised commercial operations by Thar/SUVs in Pushkar’s desert belt have come under scrutiny, with a tourism department official alleging that more than 400 vehicles are operating without mandatory permission. This has continued despite repeated complaints to the police and local administration. As the International Pushkar Fair will formally start from Nov 17, the fear of accidents looms large.The vehicles operate around Naya Pushkar and the mela ground, spread across nearly 540 bighas, taking tourists on rides across sand dunes. Operators reportedly charge between Rs 2,000 and Rs 4,000 for a ride, depending on the vehicle’s condition.Arun Parashar, a local, said he had complained to the administration in 2013 and was told that the tourism department had not authorised SUVs to operate in the desert. “The number of vehicles has since risen, disturbing the dunes and increasing accident risks,” he said.Many jeeps are modified vehicles brought from Punjab, some fitted with loud music systems. Drivers take tourists up steep dunes and bring them down at high speed. Locals allege these rides operate without basic safety arrangements such as protective gear, ambulances or medical assistance, despite several accidents in the past.Yogesh Kumar Khatri, deputy director of the tourism department, Ajmer, said despite repeated attempts to stop unauthorised operations, they continued. “I have given written complaints to the police, civic authorities and the SDM several times. Despite this, the operations continue. The number of such vehicles is now over 400,” he said.Khatri alleged that it pointed to a nexus at multiple levels, allowing operators to continue despite the absence of required permissions. He said vehicles had been detained over the issue, but the operations continued.Ajmer SP Harsh Vardhan Agarwalla said police had detained several such jeeps in the past two years and would continue action against illegally operated vehicles. He said they are seriously looking at the issue.“The activities put tourists at risk and involve adventure tourism without prior permission. Such operations are liable for action under legal provisions. We have warned the operators to stay away from these activities till they get required permission. Otherwise, police will take action,” Agarwalla said.When contacted by TOI, the sub-divisional officer at Pushkar, Guru Prasad, said he was unaware of the matter. “I have no knowledge of this,” he said.Locals have demanded a crackdown on unauthorised dune bashing, verification of vehicle registrations and permits, and proper safety arrangements for tourists visiting the desert belt.
