Himachal to set norms for foreign trekkers

New Delhi, Aug 30: Foreign tourists visiting Himachal Pradesh would be expected to strictly abide by a set of guidelines which are being drafted by the state Government, which is extremely worried about the recent killings of foreigners and its impact on the state’s image as the `most peaceful spot in north India’. Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal recently briefed Union Home Minister L.K. Advani about these measures, sources said.

Himachal Government’s proposed guidelines include a compulsory registration by trekkers with the local authorities. The government would also send a list of authorised tourist operators and trekking agencies to all the foreign missions in Delhi to ensure that trekkers would not fall into the trap of dubious operators.

The state Government has however told the Centre that many of the foreigners coming to Himachal Pradesh were part of an international narcotics network and this had made many of them vulnerable to criminal designs. Recently the state police is said to have recvered two kilograms of charas from a British tourist in Kullu.

Dhumal reportedly told Advani that his government was desparate and determined to end this menace as it was not only affecting the tourist inflow but also creating a fear-physchosis in the state. Dhumal government feels Himachal needs to staunchly safeguard its image of the “most peaceful region inhabited by friendly people of the hills” in the north India.