#One and all install#

Divisional forest officer Angel Chauhan said a large number of tourists preferred to stay in camps but littering, water pollution and damage to forest resources were a matter of concern. Forest and tourism departments, with support from local panchayat and ATOA, have established the checkpost at Jobadi, a gateway to popular Hamta Pass. Operators of permanent camp have also been sent back. After Adventure Tours Operators Association (ATOA) raised the issue, forest department has gotten strict with them. Water pollution, destruction of plants and herbs, and disturbing wildlife are major issues. Most of them go without permission and many tour operators set up a large number of camps after seeking permission for only a few tents. Thousands of tourists make a beeline for popular trekking routes every year. Those violating rules will be sent back and will never be permitted in future.

The trekkers need to have all required equipment and camping will not be allowed near rivers and nullahs. From now, there will be a ban on disturbing wildlife and herbal plants, and it will be compulsory to hire only an experienced guide from a registered travel agency. Music will not be allowed during camping in forest areas and trash will have to be brought back. Strict checks have been put in place to environment rules are followed during trekking and camping in Kullu district, where most routes are under pressure from a rising number of trekkers.

#One and all install#

There is a plan to install more such posts in future to keep a check on tourism activities in forest areas in the Kullu- Manali region. Manali: Himachal Pradesh’s first checkpost to regulate trekking and camping activities was set up on the Hamta Pass trekking route on Monday.