As part of efforts to preserve the Himalayan meadows, the forest department here has put a complete ban on night stay, pitching tents, and making campfires in the grasslands of the district.

The number of people visiting the meadows has also been restricted to 200 per day, sub-divisional forest officer, Navin Pant, said. "Besides the imposition of a total ban on night stay, camping, and campfires in the grasslands, the number of people visiting them during daytime has also been restricted to 200," he said.

The exercise kicks off from Khalia Bugyal located at a height of 3500 meters in Munsyari forest range, he said.

The step is meant to preserve the Himalayan meadows as human activities like camping harm soil and pollute them, Pant said.

They also stunt the blossoming of flowers in summer months and depletion of local vegetation, he said, adding those who violate the ban and restrictions will be punishable under the forest act.