Locals rattled as loss of centers, irresponsible vacationers result in littering, open defecation, or even eve teasing and robbery
The worst fears of the strong-32,000 populace at Lahaul-Spiti have come true. The heavy traveler inflow following the outlet of the Rohtang Tunnel has uncovered the 3 ecologically fragile and culturally awesome Lahaul valleys – Chandra, Bagga, and Chenab -- to random littering, rubbish dumps, pollution, open defecation, eve-teasing, and robbery with the aid of using the seasonal guests.
The robbery of potato baggage from the road-aspect stocks-- in advance an unheard element withinside the Lahaul valley, mass destruction of a nearby apple orchard (the entire manufacturing became plucked and brought away) and instances of eve-teasing of Lahaul girls are some of unsavory incidents suggested during the last 12 days. This has left locals absolutely baffled and visibly shaken over the effect of permitting mass traveler arrivals throughout the Rohtang Pass.
“We have conveyed all our apprehensions of factors turning a chunk unpleasant if now no longer stopped and checked appropriately. Lahaul society is a completely mild and hospitable section. We need vacationers to go to however do not need nuisance or breaking of the laws, and especially Swacchta should now no longer be compromised,” stated Prem Katoch, president of Save Lahaul Society, a social movement organization shaped currently to test the aspect-results of reckless traveler inflow.
The nearby management is in part to blame. The strategic Rohtang Tunnel, which offers all-climate connectivity to the human beings of Lahaul-Spiti, became opened on October 3 with the aid of using Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But there aren't anyt any public lavatories alongside the Sissu (North-portal hamlet of the tunnel) to Keylong – the district headquarters, and Udaipur. Nor are there any symptoms and symptoms caution towards littering or open defecation. So vacationers sell off empty packets of chips, noodles, empty water, and liquor bottles anyplace they need. And of course, the dearth of lavatories way human beings cross anyplace they can.
“The scenario, I can say in lighter terms, is like you've got got constant the marriage date, published and issued invitation cards, the wedding celebration has arrived, however there's no clue approximately the bride and groom,” quips Prof (Dr) Chander Mohan Parsheera, Director, Institute of Vocational (Tourism ) and Tribal studies, HP university, Shimla.
Dr Parsheera, who has been vociferous approximately suitable preparedness in Lahaul-Spiti, says that “our reaction now ought to be a way to address the scenario and make sure that locals aren't in struggle with vacationers. We are, thus, looking to contain the nearby community, the panchayats, Mahila mandals, and teens to host the vacationers.”
And to unfold awareness, Save Lahaul Society has determined to right away positioned up hoardings throughout the region. One proper at North portal will say: “You are getting into a cleanest valley. Be accountable vacationers /citizens. Don’t damage the ecology .Take your rubbish back “.
The human beings of Lahaul and Spiti need accountable vacationers and visitors.
But the dearth of rubbish boxes or medical disposal gadget way the rubbish rolls right all the way down to the Chandra River and its tributary Bagga –which meets at Tandi, be aware activists. The littering at different locations together with Trilokinath temple at Udaipur is already a purpose of significant concern.
Yet the challenge in hand for the nearby management isn't simply to modify vacationers and create facilities. There is likewise the want to take steps to save you the unfold of the COVID-19 pandemic withinside the tribal belt.
Rajneesh, Secretary (Environment) and Chairman HP Pollution Control Board, stated that “important instructions had been issued to the nearby SDMs. The management has a responsibility to make sure that no harm is triggered to the surroundings seeing that there can be elevated traveler arrivals.”
The kingdom tourism secretary Divesh Kumar helps the view that no littering or roadside disposal of rubbish ought to be permitted. The authorities will positioned up hoardings, and people violating the norms can be penalised, he stated. “We are withinside the method of making right facilities for the vacationers. All centers like right consuming locations and lavatories etc. can be constructed very soon,” he stated.
