Devastated HPTDC hotel area at Manikaran turns into dumping site

The place at Manikaran where Hotel Parbati of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) once stood has become a waste dumping yard. Heaps of garbage dumped there are an eyesore, especially considering the site’s proximity to key religious places, including the ancient Shivalaya, Naina Devi Temple and the Ram Temple. The hotel was devastated by floods in 1999 and 2001.

The stench emanating from the garbage has become a health hazard and the lack of waste management in the area is exacerbating the situation. Locals and visitors alike are dumping waste there with impunity, as there is no designated garbage disposal site at Manikaran or nearby Kasol. The proposed material recovery facility near Kasol is also facing opposition from the locals. The area has no proper arrangements for waste disposal and most of the garbage is being disposed off into the Parbati river, creating both environmental and health risks.

A major part of Hotel Parbati was washed away in the floods in 1999 while in 2001, it was further damaged by floods, making it unusable and unsafe. The then Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh, had laid the foundation stone of a proposed cafe and hot bath at this place in 2017, but its ceremonial plaque now lies neglected and the corporation’s land worth crores of rupees has turned into a dumping ground.

Nathu Ram, former president of Manikaran panchayat, says that the government has shown no interest in developing this prime piece of land. Local resident Vinod says that the heaps of garbage are not only an eyesore but also a serious health risk. He adds that a proper waste management facility is required to prevent further pollution of the Parbati.

Another local resident Ramesh alleges that no government has paid attention to this place. He says, “Crores of rupees are sanctioned by the Special Area Development Authority but still this place is not being developed.”