Muscat –Environment Authority has taken action against a tourism company for damaging vegetation in Wadi Darbat, a key natural site in Dhofar visited by thousands during the annual khareef season.

According to the authority, a seizure report was filed after specialists observed that the company had driven four-wheel-drive vehicles and a large truck across vegetated areas, causing environmental damage. The violation was recorded under Article 21 of the Environmental Protection Law, which prohibits acts that harm natural ecosystems.

The incident comes amid wider efforts to safeguard natural sites during the monsoon-driven khareef season, which draws large crowds to Salalah and its surroundings.

ROP issues safety reminder

In a parallel campaign, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has stepped up awareness and enforcement following a rise in unsafe behaviour observed during this year’s tourist influx.

In a public advisory accompanied by awareness visuals, the ROP warned against reckless acts such as passengers exiting moving vehicles through sunroofs or windows — an offence that carries legal penalties. ‘Such actions are not just dangerous, they are punishable by law,’ the ROP stated.

The police also raised concerns about vehicles being parked on sloped or fog-prone shoulders, which pose a hazard to motorists and pedestrians alike. A photo shared by the ROP showed a vehicle parked at the edge of a drop-off, accompanied by the caption: ‘Be responsible — avoid hazardous locations.’

Child safety near water bodies is also emphasised. Families are urged not to leave children unattended around ponds, lakes or streams commonly visited during khareef. ‘A moment of distraction can cost dearly,’ the advisory warned.

Authorities further reminded tourists that driving with obscured or dirty number plates constitutes a traffic offence. ‘A clean vehicle reflects your awareness and responsibility,’ the statement said.

The campaigns by the Environment Authority and the ROP are part of a broader effort to prevent accidents and environmental degradation during the peak tourism period in southern Oman. Both agencies have called on visitors to respect local laws and cooperate with authorities to ensure a safe and sustainable experience.