Acting on orders from National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Himachal government plans to stop commercial activities on Rohtang pass as such activities are believed to be leading to fast melting of glaciers, sources said. Also, tourists make a beeline to Rohtang to see snow during summer months and leave behind carbon footprints.

As per plans, a barrier would be installed near Vashisht village, three kilometers beyond Manali on Manali-Rohtang highway, to check vehicles going towards Rohtang pass. NGT has also suggested disallowing vehicles which do not conform to BS-4 norms and which are older than ten years from going beyond the barrier. Also, all vehicles as well as locals residing beyond this point, shall have to obtain a pass from the local administration. NGT has further suggested plying of only electricity-run or CNG-operated vehicles on Manali-Rohtang highway.

However, a steady resistance is also growing among locals, who fear that enforcement of stricter rules will impact their livelihood. The residents claimed that no glacier exists on Rohtang pass nor there was any glacier here for centuries. Studies conducted by scientists support this claim that no glacier exists close to Rohtang and that no black carbon exists in the snow there as per a report in TOI.

"Rohtang pass had no glaciers for at least last 15,000 years," a study conducted by professor of glacial geomorphology with Jawaharlal Nehru University, Dr Milap Chand Sharma, said. "The nearest glacier to Rohtang pass is Hamta glacier at 10 km aerial distance and another is Lunapani at 12 km aerial distance. Snow accumulation on Rohtang occurs due to orographic and avalanche characteristics and this is transitory in nature," Sharma said. Sharma's research papers read that snow accumulation on Rohtang remains between December and July only.

In the wake of increasing pollution at Rohtang and deteriorated condition of traffic system, which also cause inconvenience to tourists and negatively impact flora and fauna, NGT in its February 6 orders had asked Himachal government to take concrete steps to check this within three months. NGT has also said that individuals or organizations, which may or may not be parties in this case, may approach the tribunal for clarification or modification in its directions before May 6.

So far, 17 persons and organizations have sent letters to NGT, requesting leniency towards their livelihood and business. As 11 villages of Kullu would be most impacted by the implementation of the orders, villagers are also preparing to move to Supreme Court for justice, TOI sources said.

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