TOURISM INDUSTRY HIT HARD BY THE BANS IMPOSED BY THE HC

In yet another episode of tussle between the government and villagers of Manali, the government is planning to construct a ropeway between Palchan to Rohtang  and on the other hand it’s say’s that the government shall appeal for the decision taken by the HC, as it is a matter of livelihood of many people in the valley. Which was also promised by the Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh during the Mandi by-election, but no concrete steps had been taken so far. Has the government become so dumb and foolish that if they construct a Ropeway between Palchan to  Rohtang won’t it affect the livelihood of many?. The worst affected will be the taxi operator who ply on this road to Rohtang .

The opposition has already started revolting against the construction of ropeway. Lashing out at the Congress, Kullu BJP president Govind Thakur said that, if the government desires to construct a ropeway they should construct to places which are yet to be explored.  He also suggested that Palchan to Brighu could be a better option. As it will create employment.                   

Manali villagers are facing tough times this year. As the order of HC are so stringent that it has almost created a frustration and agitation among people. Already the unauthorized shops between Kothi to Rohtang have been removed. Snow Scooters and All terrain Vehicle (ATV) have been banned. Taxi older than four years have been banned to ply between Kothi to Rohtang. Plastic packaging is banned and shall be effective from 1st September 2013.  Now the ropeway episode is creating buzz and pinching the localities, there is lot of anger among people. Soon we may see a volcanic eruption against the Government.  

Rohtang Tunnel

The 8.8 horseshoe shaped tunnel which would connect the tribal area of Lahaul- Spiti and shall ensure connectivity throughout the year, has got delayed by one year, the tunnel which was expected to complete in 2015 shall now be completed in 2016

Chief engineer of Rohtang tunnel project, S P Sharma, while attending a meeting with Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh and Union surface transport minister Oscar Fernandes in Shimla said work was delayed due to hard rock strata, seepage of water and falling debris. He said the project may not be completed as proposed, but all efforts would be made to provide connectivity by 2016.

 Currently Lahaul-Spiti is connected by Rohtang Pass. But in the winter due to heavy snow on the pass. The tribal area is cut off from the world for six months, which starts from November and ends in May.

The tunnel not only ensures connectivity throughout the year, but also will decrease the distance and time between Manali and Lahaul-Spiti . The main headquarter of Lahaul-Spiti,Keylong which is 85 kms from Manali the distance shall be decreased by 60kms. The time taken now is around 5 hours to keylong, without taking into account the long hours of traffic jams on the arduous route. The same distance would be covered in less than half-an-hour through the tunnel.   

 

Rohtang Pass

IMG_3560We were very lucky to get permission to go to Rohtang Pass. Special Thanks to the Magistrate .This year to the patch between Marhi and Rohtang has been deteriorated by snow. Rani Nallah as usual was a nightmare.IMG_3709

The grunting noise of car from beneath almost took out my heart. As we reached the Glacier Point in Rani Nallah. It was amazing to see huge walls of Snow At least 40 feet, I Guess?IMG_3733

After that up till Rohtang it was JUST MESMERIZING .To see our Gypsy to move between the walls of snow, was something like a dream come true. 

 

Manali Leh Highway Cleared Upto Keylong

It’s time to rejoice for the people of Lahual Valley . As BRO has successfully completed clearing of snow on the Manali-Leh highway till Keylong, on Late Wednesday Night .Many people of the valley get stuck and cut off from the rest of the world for nearly four months. But now no long they will have to travel from helicopter for their basic and emergency needs.

But still BRO has not given green signal for the vehicular traffic. As it suggests that the Glacier in Rani Nallah may slide and weather condition also forecast more snow on the upper reaches of the Himalaya’s.

The road is also strategically important as it connects to Leh Ladakh, which is very close to China border. The convoy of the army is also waiting anxiously for clearing of the snow after Keylong. But still some Enthusiast crossed the pass with their Vehicle on the Thursday morning without caring for their lives. Many pedestrians were also spotted, crossing the pass.

The snow clearing had started on March 1st with Little pooja ceremony at Kothi village,BRO had accomplished its task within a record time. Last year too they had cleared the road on the same day. BRO officials were reported saying that this year too there is thick blanket of snow around 30feet in Rohtang Pass. Which brought smiles to the locals, as snow is main attraction in kullu Manali, and also it boost to their business.

 

 

HC Orders To Remove Unauthorized Shops From Rohtang

Asking the state government to observe ‘ZERO TOLERANCE’ toward pollution in the vicinity of Rohtang Pass. High Court has directed slew measures, including removal of unauthorized Food Stalls and eateries.

High Court has ordered to remove unauthorized Food Stalls and eateries from Marhi  & Rohtang Pass. Now, only people, having license and who meets, the term and conditions of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) shall be allowed to put a stall or shop in these places. The order by HC is cheered by many local residents as pollution in the area is increasing alarmingly every year. Tourist will also be made aware by different hoarding and pamphlet distribution for not littering the place they halt. In addition, the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, in association with the State Pollution Control Board will set different awareness campaign for environment awareness among the tourist and local residents.

More than 2000 vehicle go to Rohtang every day in the peak season. Also the convoy move’s from the same route. Because of this heavy traffic lots of carbon monoxide is released which results in soot accumulation. This makes snow turn black and even the rocks in the area turn black and dark grey.

Also, the forest is not left behind from pollution. Different private camps dump their garbage, here and there, which is spoiling the environment. No official are seen for inspecting these camps. It is only realized by the local residents who absorb this littering. 

Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation shall also launch its mobile van to supply food and drinking items. This may be done due to vendors in Rohtang Charging very high, in some case even double the MRP. They are looting the tourist the worst. This gives bad impression to the tourist coming to Rohtang Pass. 

Anjali Mahavdev At Solang Valley & Jogni Waterfall

jogni water fallThroughout the week it was quite sunny. There is a decrease in tourist visiting to Manali. Surely due to freezing temperatures. Temperature during nights is below zero hence we can see frozen ice on the roads where the water is collected. Due to delay in snow fall this year. The people of the valley are facing extreme cold conditions. Not only the locals but tourists are also praying to see their first snow fall of 2013. There are chances of snow during Lohri and Makarsakranti  as there is a weather report given by the local administration, also various internet weather sites also show chance’s of snow fall and rain during the coming week.

Visit Himalaya this week had clients from ACC CEMENT FACTORY EXECUTIVE’S. They did fully enjoy and promised to return back to Manali. They specially had come here to see snow, but were little disappointed, when they saw that snow in Manali has already melted. But we took them to Solang Valley and Anjani Mahadev where they encountred fresh snow                 . Solang valley is at a height of 7000 Feets. Approx. which is 1000 Feets above than Manali and is 16 kms away from town .Especially Anjani Mahadev was fully covered with snow. Anjani Mahadev is 2km from solang valley . You can even take horses from there. But we chose to trek. As it is more adventurous. We were very tired but didn’t feel it as the beauty at the spot was so mesmerizing, that are clients couldn’t resist from saying that “if people are searching for heaven it’s here in Manali” . At Anjani Mahadev  there is a Shiva Ling of snow with height of at least 40fts. You have to stop 300 mtrs. Back and remove yours shoes and go barefooted walking on the snow till the shiva ling. Our clients did fully enjoy and spent lot of time. It was getting very cold but we didn’t wish to return back. The sun was about to go behind the mountains. As did our day got over.

The second day was too a great day. Today we went to JOGNI WATER FALL. A beautiful waterfall located in Vashisht. We started from vashisht where we had our natural Hot Spring Bath with our clients. All of them were amazed to witness that in such a cold place people are blessed with hot springs. People of the village use the hot spring water to bath, clean clothes and utensils. Even it is used for cooking food. After our bath we had to move for our trek. The trek is fulfilled with everything great views,jungle walk, streams , meditation places and little bit of wildlife too. There are two waterfalls on the way. The first one is little dangerous as the path is narrow and below you there is a deep gorge. But after reaching the fall, the silence of the place the gush and shower of water will make you feel heavenly. After an hour we started walking too Jogni . Again you have to climb a mountain. . We took a three halts in between and reached the fall. Our clients now didn’t had any words to explain the beauty. Rapid flow of water. The fall and wind hitting your face and snow around just added the beauty of the fall. Nobody wanted to leave the places. But we had too just before we left JOGNI SHOWED ITS another color we saw a huge rainbow. We have captured the beauty in our cameras.

Our clients were full satisfied. One of them had already visited Manali before. He said that he came here two years back “ par bekar cheez dekh kar chala gaya” . But this time the experience that Visit Himalaya has given is surely incredible. I will surely come back here again.

About Manali

Hidimba Temple

In The Mahabharata it is mentioned that Hidamba is the wife of Bhim, the strongest of five Pandava brothers. Bhima fell in love with Hadimba, a sister of demon Tandi. Bhima Killed Tandi in combat and married Hadimba, who today worshiped as the incarnation of Kali. This temple was built by Maharaja Bahadur Singh in the year 1553 in the worship of Hidamba Devi. The area surrounding the temple gives a festive look always as tourist dressed up in traditional colorful dress available at price for photography. This wooden temple is beautifully designed in a Pagoda style. There are many wooden carving works in the walls and main entrance door of the temple. There will be long Queue for the darshan in peak tourist seasons like summer.