Amid outrage, notice to HP on tourist entry

Shimla, July 8

Amidst mounting resentment among hoteliers, panchayats and beopar mandals against HP’s decision to throw open its doors for tourists, the High Court today issued a notice to the government on a petition filed by local Neelam Sharma.

Sharma has sought withdrawal of the July 2 government order, stating that allowing tourists could pose a risk to the safety of locals. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice L Narayana Swamy and Justice Anoop Chitkara directed the Chief Secretary and secretaries of revenue and tourism departments to file their replies by July 20. Some panchayats in Manali have threatened to prevent tourists’ entry. — TNS