NGT seeks response from Himachal over commercial activities in Rohtang

Heeding to the plea that the ban on commercial activities in the eco-sensitive Rohtang Pass area was affecting the livelihood of people, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought response from the Himachal government on the issue. A Bench headed by Justice Swatanter Kumar issued notice to the Himachal government, HP pollution control board and others on the plea of women from villages located near the Rohtang Pass area.

Women from villages – Panchang, Kothi, Solang Kulang and Ruar –said as a result of the ban on all activities at the 13,050 feet pass, they have been rendered jobless and were leading a miserable life. “It has become extremely difficult in such a state to sustain the family and kids. The applicants have neither been rehabilitated, nor have they been provided any interim compensation by the state government,” the plea said.

The plea contends that the “applicants had been playing an important role in bringing up their families by earning the livelihood from small-time tourism related activities (non-polluting) like renting folk/local/traditional dress, snow dress, walking sticks to tourists, giving pets and yak to tourists on minimal rent for photography and by selling homemade tea and snacks”.