Manali hoteliers body writes to CM Virbhadra Singh, seeks package from PM Modi

“If Prime Minister can sanction Rs 1.25 lakh crores for Bihar just for elections, why can’t Manali be given a minimal Rs 50 crore to begin work on creating infrastructure for alternate tourists destinations. We have compiled a list of 15 such virgin sites and submitted to the state government. Announcements about some sites have already been made,” said Anup Thakur, president of the Hoteliers’ association.

The list includes places where 103 bigha tourism department land is available such as  Loma Dugh, Majhach Gohar, Solang, Dundhi, Patalsu, Gulaba, Marhi, Pandu Ropa/ Brighu Lake, Hamta area, Ropeway for Vashishat-Palchan.

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Thakur, who hailed the state government’s effort to seek relaxation on the tourists vehicles to be extended till November 30, says the next step should be to get the ban on commercial activities to be lifted. The relaxation on movement of vehicles will benefit only one section i.e taxi operators but what about other stakeholders, who have lost their livelihoods due to ban, he said.

Tomorrow, the association proposed to meet Deputy Commissioner Kullu Rakesh Kanwar and submit a memorandum asking the government to take up with NGT the issue of relaxation on commercial activities in a regulated manner .

“Most hoteliers sell their rooms offering package deals to the tourists. A visit to Rohtang Pass, which is the highest snow point, and engaging them in tourism activities at these high hill sites, forms a competitive package. Till some relaxations are given to such activities, tourists will not visit Manali,” Thakur said.

The hoteliers body also wondered how CNG buses are allowed to ply on Manali-Rohtang pass since a study done by Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) suggests that emission from the CNG buses also releases nano-carbon particulars, which cause cause cancer.

“We appreciate the concerns of NGT to reduce pollution at Rohtang Pass but if the CGN buses bring in a new health problem for the locals, will it really be a wise move?” Thakur asked.