Green tribunal caps tourist, horse count in Kufri to protect its ecology

In a major step towards reviving Kufri’s ailing ecology, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed strict daily limits on tourist and horse activity along the Kufri-Mahasu trail in Shimla district. The order, delivered on October 14 by Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Vel, allows only 293 horses and 2,232 tourists per day, based on the Cifuentes ecological methodology for carrying capacity.

The decision follows growing concern over the degradation of the Kufri reserved forest, once celebrated for its pristine ski slopes and iconic presence in old Bollywood films. Over the years, unregulated horse rides, unscientific management and unchecked tourist inflow have turned the once-scenic hill station into an environmental hotspot. Mounds of horse dung littered the trails, with no system in place for safe disposal. The tribunal’s order came in response to a complaint filed by Shailendra Kumar Yadav, highlighting severe ecological harm from excessive horse movement. The complaint pointed out that 700-800 horses were operating within a small 8-10 sq km area, encroaching upon the reserved forest and catchment zones. The unchecked activity, it was alleged, damaged forest trails, tree roots and vegetation, causing deforestation, loss of snowfall and drying up of natural springs, effects that have begun to ripple into Shimla’s water availability.

Earlier, the NGT had directed the state government to prepare a detailed plan for the eco-friendly disposal of horse dung and to conduct a carrying-capacity study. A joint committee report submitted on July 5 revealed that 400-500 tonnes of dung are generated annually in the area. It suggested alternatives like composting and manure production, but noted that briquetting, though possible, was expensive at Rs 42 per kg and less sustainable.

Unsatisfied with previous studies submitted in 2023, the NGT had formed a new expert committee comprising the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and the Divisional Forest Officer, Shimla. Their report, dated December 8, 2023, confirmed serious ecological damage, including the spread of invasive species, poor forest regeneration and contamination of water sources by faecal coliform.

This isn’t the first time the tribunal has intervened to protect Himachal’s fragile ecosystem. In 2014, it capped vehicle movement between Manali and Rohtang at 1,200 vehicles per day.

Only 293 horses allowed on Mahasu trail per day

• The hill station near Shimla, once a skiing paradise, faces strict environmental regulation to restore its fading natural charm

• The order allows only 293 horses and 2,232 tourists per day, based on the Cifuentes ecological methodology for carrying capacity