Adorned with piles of snows, the mystic Rohtang pass is now a subject of political debate not only in Himachal but in the entire country. Not only extreme climatic conditions, but Rohtang has witnessed the extent of injustice. Human handedness, pollution, noise, roars of military vehicles, trade of its precious amenity – snow and now political movements, this serene crown of Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti valley has suffered everything without any complaint. In ancient time when no roads were dug on the chest of Rohtang, the Manali-Rohtang-Ladakh was a famous trade route for transportation of goods with the help of mules and sheep. Regretting the current condition of Rohtang, a historian Tashi Rawal said, “Earlier Manali was widely known as Dana-Bazaar as mules and sheep used to stay here for Dana (feed) before resuming their uphill journey to Rohtang. My grandfather used to tell us stories that one of the hard stretches between Manali and Rohtang was the 10km-long glacier which was originating from Rohtang. Where is that glacier now? Is this a result of human intervention?” Having proved its strategic importance during Kargil war, the Rohtang pass is earning livelihood of thousands of families of the state. It is the only hill station of the country where tourists can find white snow round the year. No doubt, Rohtang is the pride of country. Then why this legendary mountain is crying for a heed from a special saviour? Government, people, administration and even media are selling its pious snow to earn fame and money. But nobody is trying to save this lifeless but beaming mountain from the vagaries of increasing population, pollution and politicians. When Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had a chance to have glance of Rohtang pass in 1960, even he could not resist and asked Manali folks, “What a beautiful
Adorned with piles of snows, the mystic Rohtang pass is now a subject of political debate not only in Himachal but in the entire country. Not only extreme climatic conditions, but Rohtang has witnessed the extent of injustice. Human handedness, pollution, noise, roars of military vehicles, trade of its precious amenity – snow and now
