Citizens unhappy with allocation of camping sites
The Ministry of Environment has been criticised for not being transparent in the allocation of winter camping sites to citizens.
Residents have complained that the ministry had announced that sites would be distributed on the first-come first-serve basis to those who register first but even citizens who showed up on the first day of registration found most of the good sites had been taken or closed.
They called for a review of the distribution mechanism and said it should be based on the principle of equal opportunities for all citizens to enjoy the short stay at the sites they choose, not those imposed on or simply allocated to them.
Some citizens said sites should not be treated as private property where some citizens camped every year.
Citizens also called on the ministry to double the sites on sea shores and land to cope with the growing demand from citizens and residents.
A source from the ministry said it had received a large number of applications since the first day of registrations on October 14 and about 1,600 citizens had applied and booked sites.
Specific sites like Sealine and Al Khor — both with about 600 camps — received the largest number of applications and the ministry had to stop registration for these and other places which witnessed huge demand such as East Coast, Al Marouna and Al Nouf.
Registration continues until December 17. The camping season is from October 28 until April 18.
The ministry’s units in Doha, Al Wakra, Umm Salal and Al Rayyan are receiving applications based on the availability of spaces and authorities are making efforts to make registration smooth, with no congestions at the units.
The ministry’s new unit in Al Wakra is also helping reduce congestion in Doha.
The ministry is also receiving applications through its website.
This year’s season has some new rules to ensure safety of campers and the environment. They include the start of building tents in 30 days after receiving the licence.
Parachute games of fire or balloon burning and paragliding are banned. It is mandatory to remove tents within 48 hours after the end of the season.
Campers are required to allow inspectors access to camps and denial will lead to forfeiture of the licence.
The ministry is deploying about 200 inspectors to monitor sites and violators will be prosecuted.
About 55 citizens were banned from camping this year after being black-listed for violations last year, according to the ministry. [The Peninsula]
