Pollution endangering tourism in Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass (Himachal Pradesh), June 3 : Callous and negligent attitude of tourists has started to take a toll on the fragile ecological balance of world famous Rohtang Skiing slopes in Himachal Pradesh due to increasing pollution.

Situated at a height of 4111m above the sea-level, Rohtang Pass is 51 km away from Kullu. It provides a wide panoramic view of mountains, rising far above clouds, which is a sight truly breathtaking.

The Rohtang pass offers skiing as well as trekking opportunities. Thousands of tourists travel to these snow-bound slopes daily to enjoy the breathtaking natural scenic beauty and participate in adventure sports.

But increasing traffic and pollution have started telling on the environment of the gateway to the valleys of Lahul and Spiti.

The tourists visiting Rohtang litter all around heaps of bottles and food leftovers. It is high time the authorities take measures to preserve the natural beauty of the place.

"The sight from here is really amazing, but unfortunately the area is very polluted. I feel the government should do something to organise this tourism," said Alexander, a tourist from Russia.

Environmentalists attribute the problem to considerable increase in number of tourists to the area and also the vehicular pollution.

"The number of vehicles plying on Rohtang Pass during peak season are 1500 per day and through these vehicles the number of visitors are 10, 000 per day. Regarding the solid waste problem generated by these visitors is supposed to be 2,000 kilograms per day," said J.C Kuniyal, a scientist.

The solid waste material left by the tourists is also proving detrimental for the vegetation in the area and also polluting the water resources.

The pollutants are also contaminating the air, which is having an adverse effect on the health of residents.

Environmentalists fear if the situation does not improve, it would cause serious problems.

ANI