ID proof to cross Rohtang irks Lahaul tribals

Kuldeep Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, May 15

Tribals, including hoteliers of Lahaul-Spiti, have upped their ante against the Kullu administration for being treated as “outsiders” in the name of implementing the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) order.

They are being asked to show the proof of their identity at the Gulaba barrier to cross the Rohtang Pass to go back to their homeland.

Pilgrims and tourists seeking to visit Lahaul-Spiti, which is the hub of monasteries, are not being allowed despite the fact that Rohtang Pass has been opened on April 17, said Bir Singh Thomas, president, Lahaul-Spiti Hoteliers Association.

“We are writing to Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address their grievances as people have to show the proof while going back to their homeland,” he said

Bir Singh said, “No tourist is allowed to visit Lahaul-Spiti from the Gulaba barrier near Manali. Hoteliers have taken loans to start small guest houses that cater to tourists and pilgrims. But none has come this season so far and we are in debts”.

He said they had raised the issue with the Chief Minister last year when he had come to Lahaul. But the things had not improved as the Kullu district administration has imposed fresh restrictions on the movement of people, hotel employees and tourists going to Lahaul-Spiti and Ladakh, citing NGT order, he said.

After getting the ID proof, the vehicles. which carry Lahaul-Spiti number plates, are allowed, locals said. “But the hotel staff, which come from other parts of Himachal and from other states, are not allowed to cross Rohtang Pass without ID proof,” he added.

Bir Singh said the NGT had not issued any order on the movement of people of Lahaul-Spiti and Ladakh crossing the Rohtang Pass. “People are feeling that they are not part of India as we have to show proof at the Gulaba barrier to restrict tourist traffic to Rohtang Pass,” added Tashi Hyarpa, a resident of Keylong.

Even the movement of public utility vehicles carrying essential commodities fertilisers, seeds, diesel and other supplies to Lahaul has been hit by the NGT order. “The SDM office at Manali opens at 10 am and it is difficult to get passes during holidays,” he said.

‘Implemented orders’

DC Kullu Hansraj Chauhan said they had implemented the NGT order in letter and spirit to ensure that not more than 800 petrol and 400 diesel vehicles go to Rohtang Pass. "If we are sure that travellers are locals, we allow them to cross Rohtang Pass without ID proof. But we have to check the movement of fake operators going to Rohtang Pass in the name of Lahaul for which we need ID proof."