Manali: The Rohtang pass likely to open by third week of May for vehicular traffic. According to the sources after that it would take some more time open for tourists. Sources revealed that till then tourists can go up to Marhi and Beas nullah to enjoy snow where they find 5 to 10 feet of snow.
SDM Manali , Ashwani Kumar said Border Roads Organization (BRO) were clearing snow from the highway with target to open Rohtang in Third week of May but inclement weather has delayed work by a few days. “Fresh snowfall blocked the road again and again and BRO was working hard to resume traffic on the highway before election. Given the convenience of tourists and people of Lahaul, Pangi and Kullu, vehicles would be allowed to go till Marhi ” he said. Ashwani added that parking arrangement for about 400 vehicles has been made at Marhi after removing snow and efforts were on to double the capacity coming days. Only 1200 vehicles would be allowed to go till Marhi . Department of tourism has been asked to deploy a JCB machine to remove snow and increase parking capacity
Temporary toilets are been established at Marhi . A sewage treatment plant is proposed to be built at Marhi in coming months. Dustbins are being placed and drivers are directed to collect waste from passengers in the trash bags being provided to them free of cost. Day-officer and duty magistrate will take care of all required facilities at Marhi. Additional force of 150 home guards would be deployed to ensure smooth traffic movement. Hoteliers say many tourists keep postponing their Manali trips until Rohtang pass is open. Once the pass is open, tourists make beeline to Manali.
Sanjay Dutta, an engineer by qualification but is a journalist by choice.
He has worked for the premier new agency Press Trust of India and leading English daily Indian Express.
With more than a decade of experience, he has been highlighting issues related to environment, tourism and other aspects affecting mountain ecology.
Sanjay Dutta lives in a village close to Manali in Kullu valley of Himachal.
