The Himachal Pradesh government has formed an 11-member committee led by the Director of Tourism to address the environmental challenges posed by the surge in tourism in the Lahaul Valley. This initiative aims to ensure safe and sustainable tourism while preserving the valley's delicate ecosystem.
Impact of the Atal Tunnel
Since the Atal Tunnel opened in October 2020, tourism in the Lahaul Valley has increased significantly. Many tourists visit Sissu and Koksar for snow-based adventure activities. However, this influx has raised environmental concerns due to the valley's limited capacity to handle large numbers of visitors.
Committee's Role and Responsibilities
Sunayna Sharma, the Kullu District Tourism Development Officer (DTDO), emphasized that the committee will regulate tourism in the valley. It will provide recommendations on traffic management, safety measures, and adventure activities to ensure tourism is conducted efficiently and sustainably.
Managing Land Use and Construction
In May 2023, the government established the Atal Tunnel Planning Area to control land use and construction activities along highways. This initiative aims to prevent unregulated expansion as new hotels and homestays emerge to meet tourist demand.
High Court Interventions
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has played a significant role in addressing ecological concerns in the region. In March, the court instructed the Town and Country Planning Principal Secretary to designate vending and non-vending zones in the Solang Special Area near Manali. This directive followed a public interest litigation (PIL) about littering near the Atal Tunnel, prompted by a news report.
Efforts to Improve Infrastructure
State authorities have conducted special clean-up drives and improved sanitation facilities, including adding more washrooms for visitors. However, plans to develop amenities such as a cafeteria, parking lot, pavilion, and selfie point at the South Portal of the Atal Tunnel have been delayed. This project, costing INR 6 crore and covering 4 bighas, has been pending approval from the Ministry of Environment and Forests for over a year.
Balancing Tourism and Conservation
As tourism continues to grow, the committee's work will be crucial in balancing the economic benefits with the need to preserve the Lahaul Valley's unique ecological and cultural heritage. The goal is to ensure that tourism development does not compromise the region's natural beauty and sustainability.
