Barcode reader facility at Gulaba barrier soon

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Manali, May 2

To regulate traffic flow towards the Rohtang Pass as per the directions of the National Green Tribunal, the district administration, Kullu, has decided to equip the Gulaba barrier with barcode reader facility. It will help in ensuring a complete adherence to the NGT order in protecting the eco-sensitive Rohtang Pass.

Despite NGT direction to regulate tourist activity and movement of vehicles towards the Rohtang Pass, there were frequent complaints earlier that taxi operators were deceiving the authorities and the number of vehicle plying towards the Rohtang Pass were more than the specified limit.

Talking to The Tribune here yesterday, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Manali, HR Bhairwa said before going to open Rohtang for tourist activity, the district administration would equip the Gulaba barrier with barcode reader facility for scanning of tourist vehicles soon. The district administration will provide online permit facility for tourist vehicles before the opening of the Pass for tourism purpose.

District tourism officer Ratan Gautam said to regulate tourism activity as per the guidelines of the NGT, activities like snow scooter and ATV would be allowed beyond Gulaba, towards the Rohtang Pass.

“Apart from this, horse riding will be allowed there. However, only photography and local dresses will be allowed for tourism purpose at the Rohtang Pass,” he added.

He said paragliding would be allowed at Marhi and Solang valley. To ensure cleanliness in the area, more than 100 mobile toilets would be made between Gulaba and the Rohtang Pass.

Deputy Commissioner, Kullu, Yunus Khan said: “The reports of the Border Roads Organisation and the Centre for the Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment in Manali are still awaited. As soon as we get that, the Pass will be opened for tourism purpose.”

The NGT had allowed 800 petrol and 400 diesel vehicles to go to the Rohtang Pass for tourism purposes every day. It had imposed Rs 500 for all vehicles passing through the eco-sensitive area at the time of applying for permit and also Rs 50 as congestion charges.