As the fragile ecology of 13,050-feet-high Rohtang Pass is facing threat from heavy influx of vehicles at the mountain top, National Environmental Engineering Regional Institute (NEERI), in its report submitted to Himachal Pradesh high court has suggested many ways and means to minimize vehicle rush.

It has been recommended to collect high congestion charges from private vehicles, besides imposing stringent conditions like not allowing commercial vehicles older than four years to ply from Kothi to Rohtang. 

NEERI has also proposed that tourist activities should be restricted to areas of ecological importance like natural habitats of endangered species of plants and animals. It also suggested that a separate fund should be created, called 'Clean Rohtang Fund' to be used for various programmes and activities which can be undertaken locally to improve the current situation. It has been suggested in the report that "Clean Rohtang Fund" may be generated through restricted entry charges in Rohtang area, Higher parking charges in city, clean air surcharge for sale of fuel, fixed one-time surcharge on existing population of vehicles and clean air surcharge on new vehicles to be sold in the state. 

NEERI was appointed by the court for undertaking study of Rohtang Pass area and to submit its opinion with regard to the exact situation noticed during the survey and make recommendations regarding corrective steps to be taken by authorities. Accordingly, NEERI has submitted its interim and final reports to the high court as per a TOI report. 

The court also directed the state government to frame a policy to permit movement of private vehicles of local residents in Leh-Ladakh, Pangi and Lahaul-Spiti to travel through Rohtang Pass on suitable terms and conditions in consultation with the pollution control board and experts before the next date of hearing.

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