The Gujarat government has declared the Kachchh White Desert and adjacent areas a restricted zone for private vehicles in a bid to protect the fragile environment and improve visitor safety. The order, issued by Kachchh District Magistrate Anand Patel on 2 January 2026 under section 163 of the Indian Citizen Security Code 2023, imposes a complete ban on private car access within the designated stretch of the Dhordo Rann Utsav area.
Kachchh White Desert restricted zone: what the order says
The restriction covers the area from Sabarmati bus station to the watch tower at Dhordo and the surrounding white desert areas that attract large numbers of domestic and international visitors during the annual Rann Utsav. The district order applies to private vehicles only; authorised service vehicles, emergency responders and government vehicles will operate under specific exemptions and protocols set by local authorities.
Officials said the decision follows repeated incidents of private vehicles becoming immobilised on the salt flats. Stranded drivers often require rescue, creating safety risks for visitors and rescue teams and leaving vehicle fluids and waste that damage the desert s fragile surface. Local authorities indicated the new measure is intended to preserve the White Desert s natural beauty, maintain cleanliness and protect the local environment.
Reasoning and expected impact
Gujarat Tourism has long promoted the Dhordo Rann Utsav as a signature event that draws tourists from across India and abroad. However, increased visitor numbers have brought management challenges. The new restriction aims to reduce the frequency of vehicle entrapments and the environmental footprint of tourism activities, while allowing the festival to continue under more controlled conditions.
Tourism department representatives said they will coordinate regulated transport options, including authorised shuttle services and parking facilities outside the restricted zone, to enable continued access for visitors. Local enforcement will patrol entry points and undertake awareness campaigns to inform travellers about permitted routes, safety guidelines and authorised vehicle services.
Local response and enforcement
Stakeholders in Kachchh welcomed the move for its focus on environmental conservation, while some local businesses that previously relied on private-vehicle visitors have asked for clear operational plans to ensure visitor numbers are sustained through authorised services. District officials said they will work with Gujarat Tourism and local operators to provide alternatives that balance visitor convenience with environmental protection.
Enforcement of the restricted zone will begin immediately, according to the district magistrate s order. Violations are expected to attract fines or other penalties as prescribed under the relevant legal provisions. The district administration also urged visitors to plan travel in advance and to use official transport services to avoid inconvenience.
The ban on private vehicles is the latest step by local authorities to protect a unique and sensitive landscape while supporting responsible tourism. Authorities have signalled that similar measures may be considered for other high-traffic natural sites if needed to safeguard ecological integrity and visitor safety.
Key Takeaways:
- Authorities declare the Kachchh White Desert restricted zone to curb private vehicle access and protect the landscape.
- The order, issued under the Indian Citizen Security Code 2023, bans private vehicles between Sabarmati bus station and the Dhordo watch tower.
- The measure aims to reduce vehicle entrapments, rescue operations and environmental damage while preserving cleanliness and scenic value.
- Gujarat Tourism will continue Rann Utsav operations with regulated transport and authorised services.
