1,500 individuals sign up for camping season in Bahrain

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UP to 1,500 people have so far registered online for the annual camping season that starts tomorrow.

The season will run until March 20 as thousands flock to Sakhir every year to enjoy the cooler weather where they either erect or rent tents.

Southern Governor Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa said yesterday that so far about 1,500 individuals have signed up ahead of the opening through an interactive mobile registration application.

He said the governorate’s application, Aljunobya, helps people book a space to erect their tents and address their queries.

“The number of registered campers so far is about 1,500 individuals, which is a record number (ahead of the opening) and reflects the increasing demand for this camping season,” he said.

“The Southern Governorate is providing digital services to campers through its app and we expect more individuals to register this season.

He also praised the Interior Ministry for its services during the annual camping season, as he met officials to be briefed on security and safety measures.

Similar to previous years, there will be separate zones allocated for families and a general zone for campers.

There is no registration fee this camping season which is expected to see an increase in numbers of people visiting Sakhir.

A deposit was previously required from campers to ensure they left the site clean, but that has been waived since last year.

It was introduced to force campers to clean up after themselves, due to the large piles of trash left behind at the end of the season.

The accumulated bill for the Sakhir clean-up operations was said to have reached more than BD150,000.

One of the worst years was 2012, when authorities collected 11,000 tonnes of rubbish from the desert. This included old chairs, toys, wooden cupboards, carpets, plastic chairs and debris.

The Southern Governorate app also lists safety and security rules for campers.

It states that campers should clear up the site at the end of the stipulated date or else bear the expenses for the clean-up done by authorities that includes confiscation of items.

In addition legal action will be taken against camp owners and tenants for illegally renting the tent without informing the authorities including the Camping Services Centre.

Licence

Rogue camps will be removed by authorities and all expenses incurred will be charged to its owner, according to the rules.

The rules prohibit engaging in political, charitable, cultural or competitive activity during the camping season and establishing mosques and chapels in Sakhir without a licence from the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry.

Tents should be erected at least 50m away from roads and 150m away from high pressure oil and gas pipelines.

More than 3,024 individuals and firms signed up throughout the last camping season.

For more information, contact the Southern Governorate’s camping season hotline on 39331515.

sandy@gdn.com.bh

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