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Cool mountain breezes, air so pure you want to bottle it, and views so divine the Pope should bless them. The entire world basks in awe of the Himalayas, yet there seems to be trouble in paradise. Himachal Pradesh has recently come under light for being a hotspot for illegal activities in its hospitality industry. The HP High Court has ordered the lockdown of 48 illegal properties in Kullu, Manali, Kasol and Tosh in 75 in Manikaran Valley starting from Tuesday, June 26, 2018.
To ensure these lockdowns happen peacefully, the Deputy Commissioner Yunus Khan has reportedly imposed Section 144 in the region for an indefinite period. To ensure the safety of field officers, people have also been asked people to deposit their licensed weapons to nearby police stations.
The Tribune, quoting the DC reported that “ The owners of these 48 illegal commercial establishments have been asked to vacate their property in time or else these will be sealed. We are taking all necessary steps to execute the court orders. All departments have been asked to coordinate.”
The remarkable move comes in after a PIL was filed which alleged that a few hotels were running a narcotic business. It also stated that many were constructed on encroached land. According to The Tribune, HC directed the district administration to look into the matter and take a strong action against the offenders. The electricity and water connection of these illegal hotels was also ceased.
Thus, if you had plans to travel to any of these places, it would be advisable to double-check your hotel bookings. We would suggest staying away from these places for a while. Not just because it’s inconvenient but also because these places deserve a break. What were supposed to be quaint hill stations are on their way to becoming concrete jungles, plus the added pressure of serving the tourists is not helping. This has led to concerns about the kind of unplanned development that is happening in the country as well as our terrible impact on the planet.
Tourism is a thriving industry and there is no denying that. However, it now requires a two-fold effort––on behalf of both, the tourists and the local management. Resources are limited and it’s important to look for sustainable alternatives, alongside proper management of existing resources. As a tourist, it doesn’t take much to visit a new, preferably less commercial hill station this year, pick a homestay over your usual hotel preference or volunteer at NGO’s to help out the locals. After all, it’s the little things that are going to save this country and the planet.
Read the full report by Tribune here.
Feature Image Courtesy of Shobla Pine Royale (strictly for representational purpose only)
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