Popular with tourists, Rohtang Pass in Kullu-Manali valley has been thrown open to tourists earlier than previous seasons.
Rohtang Pass thrown open for traffic
Kullu: Much awaited opening of tourists’ favourite snow point Rohtang pass is finally declared by administration on Saturday. Administration too assured facilitate proper parking for tourists’ vehicles at many points on way to Rohtang Pass.
Yunus, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kullu let media know about the opening of Pass during a press conference. He said, ”With the continuous efforts of BRO finally Rohtang pass could be opened for tourists from today. Initially only locals of Kullu and Lahaul Spiti were allowed passing through this road while tourists were not allowed go beyond Madhi.”
Magistrate Yunus and Police superintendent Shalini announcing opening of Rohtang Pass at Kullu
Dealing with traffic and parking problem he told about new parking spaces believing to be helpful in lessening the burden he said, ”Being a popular tourist destination traffic and parking always remained a headache. Lack of sufficient parking facilities always leads vehicles parking unsystematically on road sides causing traffic jam for hours. To lessen such problem three main parking spots from Manali to Rohtang have been prepared for tourists’ vehicles- first at Gulaba having capacity for 200 parking, Madhi with 200 parking and finally Rohtang itself with 150 parking.”
He too revealed that except permitting 1200 vehicles (400 diesel vehicles and 800 patrol vehicles) to Rohtang, permits for 100 vehicles across the nation sparing Kullu too would be given.
Shalini Agnihotri, district police chief Kullu was also present on the occasion and assured smooth traffic flow during the tourist season. Ensuring deal strictly with offenders she said, ”Police always make a plan ensuring proper and smooth flow of traffic but many times people themselves don’t let it happen by disobeying traffic rules resulting in traffic jam. But this time offenders would be dealt strictly with cooperation of public. As police are taking action immediately after getting any complaint by public. To keep a check on offenders police have invited public send photos of disobeying vehicle with it’s number plate and location to challan the owner of vehicle. This drive is getting good response from public and many vehicles have been challaned so far.”
Traffic log jams at Manali
It’s learnt although administration is claiming about well preparedness to handle any problem with the increasing tourists influx in district but traffic chaos could be seen at many places especially on NH 21 between Kullu and Manali (road on right bank of Beas river to Manali).
Situation has been worsened by a landslide occurred last week near Jagatsukh village on left bank which could be opened for light and small vehicles only so far leading double burden on right bank and no doubt situation could be more challenging in coming days with increased tourists influx.
