NGT order no dampener on tourist influx to Manali

Abhinav Vashisht

Kullu, August 9

Despite an 11-day strike in May by various beneficiaries associated with the tourism industry after the enforcement of various guidelines by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to protect the fragile ecology of the Rohtang region near Manali, the hill station witnessed a growth in the tourist influx this summer season.

While during the months of April and May last year, an amount of Rs 82,49,700 from 30,796 vehicles was collected as green tax at the barriers set up on the both sides of Beas, about 3 km before the Manali town, this year 36,093 vehicles visited the tourist town during the same period. The exact figures of revenue collection have not been compiled by the Tourism Department yet.

Hoteliers of Manali stated that they had experienced good occupancy rate as compared to the last year. Budhi Prakash Thakur, vice-president, Manali Hotelier’s Association, stated that his tourism related ventures had shown an impressive growth over the years. The results during the current year were better than the previous one.

Anil, president, Manali Travel Agents Association, stated that a flight was launched by a national air carrier to Kullu offering a larger number of seats. The seats, however, were not easily available during the entire summer season, signifying heavy tourist influx.

Even while the NGT had banned all the commercial activities in the Rohtang region and removed all eateries and stalls, tourists made a beeline everyday to seek permits to visit the Rohtang Pass.

While the experts had feared that strict conditions imposed by the NGT might have an adverse effect on the tourism of the valley besides affecting the livelihood of several persons associated with tourism, the enforcements may come as a blessing in disguise in the longer run with the masses opting for eco-friendly sustainable sources of livelihood and Rohtang becoming a pristine destination.