More than 400 unauthorised SUVs and jeeps are allegedly operating commercial dune rides in Pushkar’s desert belt, raising tourist-safety concerns ahead of the International Pushkar Fair, according to tourism officials and local residents.
The vehicles operate around Naya Pushkar and the mela ground, an area spread across nearly 540 bighas. Operators reportedly charge tourists between Rs 2,000 and Rs 4,000 for rides across the sand dunes, depending on the vehicle used.
Yogesh Kumar Khatri, deputy director of the tourism department in Ajmer, said repeated complaints had been submitted to the police, civic authorities and the sub-divisional magistrate, but the operations had continued. He said the number of vehicles involved had now crossed 400.
The rides include taking tourists up steep dunes and bringing them down at high speed. Locals said several vehicles were modified jeeps brought from Punjab, with some fitted with loud music systems. They alleged that the operations were being conducted without basic safety arrangements, including protective equipment, ambulances or medical assistance.
Residents also said the rides were disturbing the dunes and increasing the risk of accidents. Arun Parashar, a local resident, said he had complained to the administration as early as 2013 and was told at the time that the tourism department had not authorised SUVs to operate in the desert. He said the number of vehicles had increased since then.
Khatri said vehicles had been detained over the issue in the past, but the operations resumed. He alleged that the continued activity pointed to a nexus at multiple levels that allowed operators to function without the required permissions.
Ajmer Superintendent of Police Harsh Vardhan Agarwalla said police had detained several such jeeps during the past two years and would continue taking action against illegally operated vehicles. He said the activities amounted to adventure tourism without prior permission and put tourists at risk.
“We have warned the operators to stay away from these activities till they get required permission. Otherwise, police will take action,” Agarwalla said.
The sub-divisional officer at Pushkar, Guru Prasad, told the Times of India that he was unaware of the issue. “I have no knowledge of this,” he said.
The International Pushkar Fair is scheduled to formally begin on November 17, increasing the likelihood of a larger tourist presence in the desert belt. Locals have sought a crackdown on unauthorised dune bashing, verification of vehicle registrations and permits, and proper emergency and medical arrangements for visitors.
Police officials said action against vehicles operating without permission would continue, while tourism officials have called for enforcement by the police, civic authorities and local administration before the fair begins.
