Manali-Rohtang heli service trial survey conducted

Our Correspondent

KULLU, JUNE 10

The tourism department on Sunday carried out a trial survey for launching a helicopter service between Manali and the majestic Rohtang Pass. The Tourism Department is proposing to start joyrides for tourists between Manali and Rohtang. The trial run of the joyrides was conducted from SASE helipad near Manali.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has capped the number of vehicles going daily to the Rohtang Pass for tourism purpose and has allowed only 800 petrol and 400 diesel vehicles. The tribunal has also provided various directions to regulate tourism related activities in the area. 

The state government has recently started an electric bus service to Rohtang Pass. The NGT had directed running of CNG and electric vehicles to protect the eco-fragile the Rohtang area. 

The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has recently given a nod to provide subsidised airfare for flights to be launched from six heliports across the state for improving connectivity.

Kullu Deputy Commissioner Yunus Khan confirmed that officials of the tourism department and a team of Pawan Hans conducted aerial survey to determine feasibility of providing joyrides up to the tourist spots adjacent to Manali, especially Rohtang area.