The Tribune Impact: Finally, sanitary conditions improve near Atal Tunnel

The basic amenities and sanitary conditions have improved at both south and north portals of Atal Tunnel after the high court took cognisance of a news item headlined ‘Littering near Atal Tunnel threat to ecology’ published in The Tribune on July 3, 2022.

Sunil, a resident of Solang village, said, “Now, separate fabricated toilets for men and women have been installed near the south portal of Atal Tunnel that are spacious and well maintained. Dustbins have also been placed near the mouth of the tunnel along with signboards warning people that a fine of Rs 5,000 will be imposed for littering. A drinking water facility has been set up at the south portal to curtail the use of drinking water plastic bottles. The area towards the south portal has become quite clean.”

Separate toilets for men, women set up

Now, separate fabricated toilets have been installed for men and women near the south portal of Atal Tunnel that are spacious and well maintained. Dustbins have also been placed near the mouth of the tunnel, along with signboards warning people that a fine of ~5,000 will be imposed for littering. A drinking water facility has been set up at the south portal. — Sunil, A resident of Solang village

The strategically important Atal Tunnel was inaugurated on October 3, 2020. The tunnel witnessed a both-way passage of 2,88,607 vehicles in June and 2,50,797 vehicles in May this year. This resulted in littering in the area and the high court directed the state authorities to file their affidavits, mentioning therein the plan of action, including special drives to be conducted along with dates, to ensure that the garbage was lifted. They were also directed to indicate the provisions in law, under which fines were imposed for littering.

The government and other respondents had submitted steps taken to ensure cleanliness at the portals. The Tourism Department had forwarded a plan to develop an eco-friendly market having various amenities near the south portal of the Atal Tunnel at Dhundi for the clearance of FCA to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest in February last year, and its approval process was underway. Cleanliness drives are also being carried out in the area by various NGOs and other social associations.

An environmentalist, Abhishek Rai, said the timely initiative by the high court had protected the eco-fragile region. He said, “A sustainable model needs to be devised to cope with the increasing rush of tourists. The movement of tourists should be regulated in the eco-fragile regions on the basis of their carrying capacities, especially during heavy influx of visitors during the peak tourist seasons.”