Lok Sabha Question No. 1248 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-02
Subject: Facilities to Tourists at Rohtang
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: RAM KUMAR SHARMA KUSHWAHA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†1248 ANSWERED ON 02.05.2016

## FACILITIES TO TOURISTS AT ROHTANG

†1248. SHRI RAM SWAROOP SHARMA:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the National Green  Tribunal has banned any kind of tourist activity in and around Rohtang Pass;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
- (c) the  steps  taken by  the  Government  to  facilitate  the  tourists visiting Rohtang Pass?

## 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 with 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):   The State Government of Himachal Pradesh has informed that they  have  taken  the  following  steps  to  facilitate  tourists  visiting Rohtang Pass:-

1. Check  posts  have  been  installed  at  4  places  where  in addition  to  checking  of  vehicles/  collection  of  charges, necessary information is being provided to facilitate the tourists.  Online  permits  are  also  being  issued  for  the convenience of tourists to visit Rohtang.
2. A properly designed eco friendly market is being set up at Marhi  for the benefit of tourists for  which  land measuring 00-56-25 hectares has been transferred in the name of  Department  of Tourism  for  the  construction  of Eco Friendly market at Marhi.
3. The Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation has entered into an agreement with M/s Manali Ropeway Pvt. Ltd.  on  21-10-2015  for  construction  of  ropeway  from Palchan  to  Rohtang  and  the  preliminaries  are  being completed.
4. Proper sanitation facilities are being provided at Rohtang
4. Pass, Marhi, Solang Nallah and Gulaba.

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