Rohtang Pass: NGT allows photography

“Not more than 50 ATVs shall be permitted to run in these areas, that too subject to verification,” the bench ordered in its 18-page long order

The NGT had in July 2015 imposed a ban on tourism-related activities at Rohtang Pass and its adjoining areas, holding that movement of vehicles and largescale tourism activities, including horse riding, snow biking, paragliding, tyre-tube gaming and snow scooters at Rohtang, Solang and Marhi, have caused serious degradation of environment and receding of the glaciers at Rohtang Pass.

[related-post]

The NGT order made it clear that it would be appropriate to permit some activities at lower levels so that its consequences upon the environment and ecology could be observed.

“As far as Rohtang is concerned, we are completely unsatisfied with the proposals made as it is an extremely eco- sensitive area and cannot be subjected to further degradation on the mere assurance that the state government would take appropriate steps,” the bench said in its order. “The Tribunal will consider permitting other activities at Rohtang only after receipt of the report of the Commissioners…,”