Sub-panels for tourism activities near tunnel soon

Our Correspondent

KULLU, DECEMBER 18

Education Minister Govind Thakur discussed tourism activities up to the south portal of Atal Tunnel and from Kothi to Gulaba at a meeting with the local administration and the associations of tourism stakeholders at Manali today.

He said icing on the road towards Gulaba and near Atal Tunnel increased the risk of accidents. Vehicles could not be allowed to these places during adverse weather conditions and heavy snowfall.

The minister said if the weather remained clear, vehicle movement could be allowed. He asked the SDM and the police to take a decision only after assessing the condition of the roads in coordination with officials of the Border Roads Organisation. He also invited suggestions from the locals and the associations.

The minister directed the SDM to constitute sub-committees for keeping the tourism activities smooth till Atal Tunnel and Gulaba. Office-bearers of tourism stakeholder associations should be included in these committees.

Decisions should be taken regarding the continuation of tourist activities soon. He said meetings of the sub-committees would be organised from time to time, so that tourism activities were not affected.

The tourism stakeholders had held a protest and blocked the Manali-Leh national highway for over two hours after allegedly being denied commercial activities between Solang Nullah and the south portal of the tunnel on December 16.