Panel set up to check illegal camping in Manali forest, Hamta Pass, Bhrigu lake

Mandi, July 8

The Forest Department has constituted a local-level monitoring committee to check illegal camping in forest areas of Manali and its surrounding places such as the Hamta Pass and the Bhrigu lake.

Illegal camping in forests is rampant in Kullu and Manali that causes damage to the ecology. The Tribune had highlighted the issue recently, forcing the Forest Department to take the decision.

Angel Chauhan, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Kullu, had yesterday issued an order regarding the constitution of a local-level monitoring committee. Members of the Adventure Tour Operators Association, Manali, gram panchayat pradhans or their representatives and Forest Department officials are included in the committee.

The DFO said that it had been decided that a temporary forest check post would be set up at Jobri on the way to the Hamta Pass for general checking and monitoring. “Fixed camping is banned completely in the Hmata Pass area to protect the ecology. Camping in forest areas should be done on a rotational basis by minimising damage to forests. Tents should be pitched at least 25 metres from nearest rivers and water bodies,” he added.

Chauhan said, “Toilet tents should be far away from water bodies and should not affect these resources that are used by local villagers for drinking and irrigation purposes”. He added that no permission would be granted for camping from July 10 to 15 in the Hamta Pass area and if any tent was found in forest areas, it would be seized.