Dh500 fine for graffiti, drawings at Jebal Jais
ras al khaimah — A fine of Dh500 shall be slapped on those found indulging in any kind of graffiti writing or drawings on the Jebel Jais walls in Ras Al Khaimah. Scribbling, scratching, or painting on the walls or any other surfaces on the mountain “shall not be tolerated as such negative practices tarnish the scenic public view”, a senior official told Khaleej Times.
Ahmed Hamad Al Shehi, advisor to the department of public works in Ras Al Khaimah, said inspectors have managed to put an end to all such illegal practices at the mountain. “This reckless behaviour has also been banned at the civil facilities adjacent to the highest peak in the country.” Official records show that the staff inspectors recorded 4,532 environmental violations this year so far. “Many of these violations, including littering and graffiti writing, were registered in the Jebel Jais area.”
The department has launched a campaign to develop public awareness about the importance of such sites, and to curb any violations there, Al Shehi added. “Thousands of brochures have been distributed to the visitors of Jebel Jais to advise them about the violations they should avoid. On top of this list is graffiti writings and drawings.
“Recently, staff inspectors have noticed that many visitors attempted to record their visits on the mountain in a way that distorts the image of the place,” he said.
Littering is also punishable with a Dh500 fine. “The same fine shall be imposed on any violation, including parking at banned spots on the Jebel Jais,” he said. He noted that more waste containers and bins have been set up on the mountain.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
All visitors shall now be warned against any such illegal practices before they go up the mountain.” Ahmed Hamad Al Shehi, advisor, department of public works