Vijay Arora

Shimla, May 9

Giving respite to Manali residents, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) today relaxed some of its conditions imposed on commercial activities in the eco-sensitive Rohtang Pass.Now, 800 petrol vehicles can enter Rohtang every day. Earlier, the number was 600. The tribunal, however, refused to increase the number of diesel vehicles from 400 per day.After considering the assurance given by the state in its affidavit and reports, the NGT, headed by Justice Swatanter Kumar, also allowed limited activities for a limited period (subject to filing of the report by local commissioners appointed by it for the inspection of the area).The NGT has allowed only four stroke snow-scooters to operate at the Beas Nullah to Sagu Fall and at Gulaba with a rider that not more than 50 scooters would be permitted to operate at both the sites collectively.It further allowed paragliding at Solang and Marhi with a clear direction that at both the places the paragliding would take place within the identified areas and it would be ensured that the persons organising paragliding and tourists did not generate any municipal solid waste at the take-off and landing points.Giving relief to photographers of the area, the Green Tribunal has permitted them to carry out their activity at Rohtang, Gulaba, Solang and Marhi (subject to terms and conditions of the licence to be provided by the concerned state authority).While passing the order, the NGT clarified that ‘no activity of any kind would be permitted at the Rohtang Pass, except the provision of local dresses and photography’. It will consider permitting other activities at Rohtang only after receiving the report of the commissioners appointed under the order.“We make it absolutely clear that no other activity or business, snow-scooters, ATVs and horses, except the ones specifically permitted above, and visiting of the tourists will be carried on at the Rohtang Pass and its surrounding areas.”The NGT observed: “The state has prayed for relaxation in certain directions issued by the tribunal, more particularly related to paragliding, snow-scooters and other activities, which according to them are non-polluting, as well as the number of vehicles. We do not find merit in all contentions raised on behalf of the state, but some of them can be permitted to be started in the restricted areas with an objective to examine if the government and its authorities are able to maintain a check and strike a balance without causing any pollution in the area. As far as Rohtang is concerned, we are completely unsatisfied with the proposals made as it is an extremely eco-sensitive area and cannot be subjected to further degradation on the mere assurance that the government will take appropriate steps. It will be appropriate to permit some activities to the state administration at lower levels and observe the consequences on the environment and the ecology.”It directed the state authorities to provide at least 30 eco-friendly toilets, submit a comprehensive status/compliance report regarding a ropeway, operation of CNG and electric buses and status with regard to establishment of eco-friendly market at Marhi. It also directed the state that in consultation with NEERI submit complete and comprehensive status report on the carrying capacity of the Rohtang Pass, Marhi, Solang, Gulaba and other tourist spots.With a view to check the impact on environment and ecology of Rohtang, the NGT also appointed six advocates as the local commissioners and directed them to file their report within three weeks. It asked them to file the report on establishment of barriers, including technical support systems, regular checking of pollution of vehicles, whether all vehicles going to Rohtang possessed requisite permissions, establishment of toilets, sanitary facilities, relief and rehabilitation plan for house owners, taxi drivers, particularly those having diesel cars, partial rehabilitation and incentive programme for the people involved in tourism activities in the areas.