DOHA: Some people have criticised the decision of the Ministry of Environment to decrease the allotted areas to set up tents for the coming camping season, Al Arab has reported.
The ministry reduced the area for each camper from last year’s 50x50 metres to 30x30 metres this year to allow more campers but many thought the area would not be enough to accommodate all their camping facilities.
They have also criticised reducing the distance between camping sites to 20 metres from 30 metres last year.
“Reducing the distance between camps is a violation of privacy of families,” said Abu Fahad.
The camping season has been an important part of Qatari life and much awaited by Qataris since it is a time when they enjoy gathering with family and friends far from city life.
The Ministry of Environment has announced the camping sites would be in four areas namely Doha, Al Rayyan, Umm Salal and Al Shamal and registration would be from October 1 to 15. The camping season would start from October 18 to March 30 next year, according to the ministry.
People hailed last year’s camping season was more organised though there were criticisms with regard to the return of their deposit.
“Of course last year’s camping season was better organised,” said Abu Qanim, though he criticised the delay in the return of his deposit of QR10,000 which took a month to process.
He also raised the issue of water shortage due to increase in prices of water tanks from QR500 to QR1,000. He suggested for the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning to provide campers with water tanks.
There is also absence of other important facilities at the sites camp such as petrol station, car maintenance, restaurants and other services, he added.
Medical services should be the utmost priority at the camping sites because in case of accidents ambulance arrived late, said Towaim Hamad Al Marri.
Camping sites exclusively for families far from bachelors should be provided because bachelors disturb families with noises such as using loud speakers, he said adding his family left the camp because of the noise.
Saad Al Mohannadi, on the other hand, stressed the need for campers to fulfil safety and security requirements to ensure an enjoyable camping experience.
With many building constructions going on the government should reserve land for the purpose of camping which is a significant part of Qatari culture, said Fahad Abdulaziz.
The ministry’s move to introduce online registration was lauded by many since no one could apply more than once. The deposit is QR10,000 through Visa card and after providing all requirements the applicant is given a camp number.
Among the Ministry of Environment’s conditions for camping include regulations to protect the environment, applicant should not be less than 21 years old and once granted licence should be responsible for any damage to the environment.
The Peninsula
