Kullu hoteliers oppose proposed toll plaza

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, December 5

The Kullu-Manali Hoteliers’ Association and local residents opposed the setting up of a toll plaza at Dohlunala on the Chandigarh-Manali highway near Raison.

They said it would directly affect the tourism industry as the government was already charging green tax at Manali and Gulaba barriers. Local Congress workers submitted a proposal to Manali Sub Divisional Magistrate Raman Gharsanghi, urging the district administration to approach the NHAI authorities and stall the project.

Hari Chand Sharma, former Zila Parishad chairman, said: “Manali residents have to visit Bandrol, Kullu and Bhunter within the district frequently and sometimes twice or thrice a day to attend courts, DC office, district hospital, SP office, PWD office, forest office and other departments. They also visit fruit markets to purchase and sell their products in Kullu, Bhunter and adjoining areas. They won’t be able to afford the toll tax every day.”

Anup Thakur, president, Kullu-Manali Hoteliers’ Association, said: “The road between Kullu and Manali is two-lane and a toll plaza is normally set up on a 4 to 6-lane road. Toll is normally levied when a road is complete but in this case the construction is yet to be completed. We urge Kullu DC Richa Verma to take up the matter with the authorities concerned and provide relief to the common man.”