In a decisive move to safeguard human life amid escalating natural risks, the district administration of Lahaul and Spiti has imposed immediate restrictions on tourist movement and commercial activity in vulnerable zones surrounding the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel (Rohtang) on Manali-Leh highway in Lahaul and Spiti district.
The order comes in response to alarming reports from engineering and police authorities highlighting the increasing frequency of avalanches, snow slides and falling debris in the region, hazards that have already claimed lives. The order was issued by Lahaul and Spiti Deputy Commissioner-cum-Disaster Management Authority Kiran Bhadana.
The affected stretch includes the hill slopes on the left side of the tunnel’s North Portal, the adjoining vicinity around the portal, and the Chandra Bridge river along with its surrounding areas. These locations, popular among tourists for their dramatic landscapes and snow-covered vistas, have now been declared a restricted zone due to their high susceptibility to sudden and potentially deadly natural events.
Officials noted a surge in tourist footfall and unauthorised commercial activities such as roadside vending, temporary stalls and informal photography points. While these have contributed to local livelihoods, they have also intensified the risks by encouraging crowding in unsafe zones and obstructing critical emergency response operations. Authorities emphasised that such activities could hinder swift evacuation and rescue efforts in case of an avalanche or similar disaster.
Under the new directive, entry of tourists and the general public into the restricted zone is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorised. All forms of commercial activity have been banned and vehicles are no longer permitted to stop, park or gather in these areas. Traffic movement will now be closely regulated by the police and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) personnel to ensure safety and prevent congestion in this strategically vital corridor.
The Superintendent of Police has been tasked with enforcing the order rigorously, with support from BRO and project authorities responsible for the tunnel. Violations will invite strict legal action under relevant provisions of law. However, the restrictions will not apply to emergency services, government officials on duty and disaster response teams.
The administration has clarified that the order takes immediate effect and will remain in force until conditions are deemed safe following a comprehensive hazard reassessment. While the move may temporarily disrupt tourism in the region, officials stress that the priority remains the protection of human life in the face of unpredictable mountain hazards