Remove dhabas from Rohtang pass: HC to Himachal Govt

In yet another move to save fragile ecology of
Rohtang pass, Himachal Pradesh High court has ordered Himachal government not
to allow any individual to run dhaba on Rohtang area beyond Marhi, 34km from
Manali. Now, only a valid license holder who meets the terms of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) can establish his dhaba here,
an official said.

The decision was
taken in a meeting between chief secretary to Himachal government and various
officials from Kullu and Lahaul after order from HC. According to sources, High
Court had asked government to take effective steps to stop pollution on Rohtang
pass and it was noticed that dhabas were contributing to littering by using
non-disposable materials for food and drinks. Now the 17km area between Marhi
and Rohtang cannot be used for dhabas or other eateries without obtaining
permission from HPTDC.

Kullu deputy
commissioner Sharab Chhopal Negi hold a meeting with SDM Manali, SDM
Lahaul, BRO and other officials and ratified the decision on Friday. “Now HPTDC
would take care of eateries beyond Marhi,” said Manali SDM Vinay Dhiman, who has
a charge of district tourism development officer. He said now tourists will
have to vacate Rohtang pass before 5PM for safety reasons everyday and police
would stay there till late evening to ensure all tourists have vacated the
pass. It has been noticed over the years that sudden snowfall and landslides
trap many tourists.

The funds
collected by HPTDC after distributing licenses to responsible persons would be
spent to keep Rohtang clean and green, Dhiman said. A time table has been made
for vehicles coming and going to Rohtang pass to cope with the traffic
problems.