Traffic restored through Rohtang Pass

Our Correspondent

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KULLU, JUNE 5

The traffic has been restored through the 13,058-foot high Rohtang Pass. Oil tankers, gas cylinders or explosives are not allowed to cross Atal Tunnel and these are being sent via the Rohtang Pass.

The police and administration had visited the Pass to take stock of the road condition. However, tourist vehicles have not yet started. The tourist footfall is negligible due to the corona crisis. Manali DSP Sanjeev Kumar said traffic would be allowed for tourism purpose in the Rohtang Pass after guidelines are issued by the government.

The police have set up barriers at Gulaba as per the orders of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to restrict the number of vehicles to protect the fragile ecology of the region.

During the peak tourist season, everyday only 1,200 vehicles (800 petrol and 400 diesel), are allowed to cross the Gulaba barrier. Manali SDM Raman Gharsangi said the permits would be provided manually until the number of visitors increases.

Manali Hoteliers’ Association president Anup Ram Thakur said now the traffic towards Lahaul would cross through the tunnel and only tourist vehicles visit the Rohtang Pass. The government should approach the NGT again to review its decision of capping the number of vehicles. Now, the visitors could cross the tunnel and reach the Rohtang Pass from the Lahaul side without any permit or paying environment cess.