Rohtang Pass in Manali, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most thronged tourist destination of India that witnesses people from all across India and overseas. Lately, the Manali Administration had taken several measures to maintain the beauty and cleanliness in Manali and Rohtang Pass. As a measure, snow scooters and certain other snow activities were banned as it caused harm to the environment.
As a relief to tourists, snow scooters have been given the permission to run on snow-clad mountains of Rohtang Pass in Manali. This has come as an excellent news for those planning to visit Manali and Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh this summer.
Snow Scooters at Rohtang Pass (But Petrol Ones)
In order to cater to the tourist needs and entertainment, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has now given thumbs up to start petrol snow scooters to operate within 51 km from Manali in Himachal Pradesh. NGT has allowed the snow scooter to ply in the identified areas on the way to Rohtang Pass under the observation of CCTV cameras. These cameras will be installed at both the ends of the route to Rohtang Pass to keep a track on those who will misuse the permit.
Citing the high influx of the tourists to Rohtang Pass and the amount of pollution they create there, a few years back, NGT banned those petrol and diesel vehicles to go to Rohtang Pass from Manali, Himachal Pradesh who do not have the permit from the Manali administration. Now NGT has given a nod to permit only 900 cars including 60% petrol cars and 40 % diesel cars to go to Rohtang on daily basis.
NGT Implements fine for Violators
To ply the petrol snow scooters, NGT has directed Manali administration to identify area on the Rohtang route. NGT has also decided that the offender going beyond the restricted area will be charged a whopping fine of Rs 5000 for violating the vehicle permit. before giving a nod to petrol snow scooters to ply in that particular area. The discussion on starting the work on Palchhan ropeway is still undergoing with the tribunal and Manali administration.
Let’s see the initiative of starting petrol snow scooters in Rohtang Pass, Manali will help the tourism department of Himachal Pradesh to flourish as these are the peak season of tourists thronging to the state from far off places.Manali Administration along with the tourists will have to see that no kind of pollution is spread across Manali or in Rohtang Pass so that the beauty of the place stays intact for many years to come.
Source: hindustantimes.com Image – Hill Post
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