Lok Sabha Question No. 3428 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-08-10
Subject: Ban on Tourist Activities around Rohtang Pass
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: SAUGATA ROY

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF TOURISM

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3428

ANSWERED ON 10.08.2015

BAN ON TOURIST ACTIVITIES AROUND ROHTANG PASS

3428. PROF. SAUGATA ROY:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

(a) 	whether the National Green Tribunal banned any kind of tourist activities in and around Rohtang Pass;

(b) 	if so, the details thereof;

(c) 	whether this ban will affect the livelihood of the people belongs to hospitality industry in the area;

(d) 	if so, the details thereof along with the impact of ban on tourism industry;

(e) 	whether the Centre or State Government has taken any action to rehabilitate the affected hospitality industry of the area; and

(f) 	if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)

(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a) & (b):	Yes, Madam. The Honourable National Green Tribunal has banned tourist activities in and around Rohtang Pass vide order dated 6th July, 2015. The tourism related activities i.e. Snow Scooters, All Terrain Vehicles, Horse Riding, Paragliders, Snow biking, Tyre tube gaming, etc. have been completely banned in Rohtang, Marhi and Solang area.

According to the said order dated 6th July, 2015, following directions were issued to the State of Himachal Pradesh:

(i) 	The Deputy Commissioner, Kullu and SP, Kullu shall ensure that no snow scooters, All Terrain Vehicle’s, horse riding, paragliders, snow biking, tyre tube gaming, will be permitted at Solang, Rohtang and Marhi. All these activities shall be prohibited forthwith.

(ii) 	No two wheeler vehicles shall be permitted to go to Rohtang Pass.

(iii) 	No commercial activity, dhabas, Khokas, Rehdies or any other kind of activity of eating would be carried out at Rohtang Pass. The Dhabas existing at Rohtang Pass shall be removed by the Deputy Commissioner, Kullu and SP, Kullu forthwith.

(iv) 	It will be ensured that the shops operating at Marhi would carry on their business activities in terms of the directions of the Tribunal. It will be ensured that no waste of any kind is permitted to be spread around Rohtang Pass and in fact, people should not even be permitted to carry any packed eatables, plastic or other allied material to Rohtang Pass. Except water, everything should be prohibited.

(v) 	The Deputy Commissioner, Kullu and SP, Kullu and Municipal Council, Manali shall ensure that toilets are provided at Rohtang Pass and are maintained hygienically, and properly, without delay and default.

(c) & (d):	Yes, Madam. According to the State Government, majority of people in the affected area depend upon the above said tourism related activities. Hoteliers, Travel Agents, and other tourism related stakeholder are also affected by the ban on tourism related activities imposed by the Honourable National Green Tribunal.

(e) & (f):	Vide Order dated 16th July, 2015 the National Green Tribunal directed the State of Himachal Pradesh to submit complete Restoration and Rehabilitation Plan after hearing all the stakeholders in relation to the resettlement of the persons whose livelihood is likely to be affected, if at all, by compliance of the directions of the Tribunal in the larger interest of the public and environment.  Rehabilitation plan is being prepared by the State Government as per the directions of Honourable National Green Tribunal.

*******