‘Himachal in reverse gear’
Himachal Pradesh BJP president Rajeev Bindal had been the health minister in the party-led government from 2007 to 2012.
Rohtang Pass, the popular tourist spot in Manali area of Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, was reopened on Monday for tourists after it was closed last month due to heavy snowfall.
The district administration, along with Border Road Organisation (BRO), cleared the snow on the road up to Rohtang Pass and now tourists can visit the top of Rohtang which is the main attraction for those visiting Manali.
In addition, snow-related activities have also picked up in the area with tourists participating in adventure and other sports.
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This has brought cheers on the faces of hoteliers and locals as this would increase the tourist inflow to Kullu-Manali in the coming days, resulting in more business opportunities for them.
Now, tourists can also apply for online permits to visit Rohtang Pass for which they have to pay Rs 550.
The district administration has also deployed traffic personnel at various places between Manali and Rohtang for smooth movement of vehicles.
As per the orders of the National Green Tribunal, only 1200 vehicles, i.e. 800 petrol and 400 diesel vehicles would be granted permits to go up to Rohtang top.
Online permits to travel up to Rohtang Pass are being granted on a first come-first serve basis.
It is worth mentioning that Rohtang Pass remains closed for vehicular traffic in winters but is open from June to October, but this time it was closed owing to heavy snowfall (4-5 feet) from 23 to 25 September.
The pass is a gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi, and Leh valley and the best time to visit the pass is between May-June and October-November as it remains closed for traffic during rest of the year due to heavy snowfall.
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