NGT bans diesel tourist vehicles to Rohtang Pass

Cracking its whip once again to check environmental pollution, National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned movement of all diesel operated tourists vehicles to Rohtang Pass. The ban will be effective from May 1, 2015, ahead of the peak tourists season in Kullu-Manali.
Beside tourists buses being plied by HPTDC during the tourists season, more than 1,300 diesel-based tourists taxis of local operators will also be affected by the order. The order is likely to create problems for the tourists’ eager to visit the pass.

The order, however, exempts petrol vehicles and locals travelling to Lahaul-Spiti, a tribunal district across Rohtang Pass, which could be of some relief.

The tribunal also directed the state government agencies including state’s department of environmental protection to post adequate staff at check posts Gulaba, Vashishta and Manali to ensure that diesel driven vehicles should not move to Rohtang Pass.

“No diesel vehicle is permitted for tourism purpose to Rohtang Pass after May 1, 2015,” tribunal’s bench said.

Source:: Indian Express