400 Hamta Pass trekkers sent back

Tribune News Service

Mandi, July 13

Around 400 trekkers were sent back from the Hamta Pass near Manali today. They had gone for trekking to the area, ignoring the warning of bad weather conditions.

A 23-year-old girl was washed away in a nullah in the Hamta area on Monday, which led the Forest Department to act against those, who are organising trekking and camping activity for the tourists illegally.

The Department of Tourism had issued an alert that all adventure activities, including rafting, paragliding and trekking, would remain suspended for two days due to inclement weather conditions. The department had also imposed a two-month ban on all adventure activities from July 15.

According to official sources, a large number of tourists had made a beeline for the Hamta Pass. While some had permission from the Forest Department, others were trekking illegally.

Angel Chauhan, Divisional Forest Officer, at Kullu told The Tribune, “A team of the department was sent to the pass to check the offenders. We are collecting the details and action will be taken against the defaulters.”