Himachal Pradesh: As soon as the vehicles reached Rohtang, there was a fight like situation for permits. Earlier, the Kullu administration had allowed tourists to go only to Madhi, a tourist spot near Rohtang, but from Friday, all tourists were allowed to go to Rohtang. As soon as permission was granted to reach Rohtang, permits started being booked in advance. Due to online booking of permit process, tourists from outside the state are competing in booking vehicle permits. Due to the season, there is a shortage of 1200 permits for Rohtang.
Hotel Association and Taxi Union have demanded from the Government to increase the number of vehicles. Local drivers Narendra, Ravi and Pyaar Chand told that due to lack of internet system, they are lagging behind in booking permits for Rohtang. On Friday, all 1200 permits were booked in advance.
Hotel Association and Taxi Union have demanded to increase the permit for the month of June keeping in mind the summer season. Taxi Union President Purna Chand Pohlu and Hotel Association President Mukesh Thakur said that NGT had fixed the number of permits a decade ago due to the pressure of increasing vehicles, but after the construction of Atal Tunnel, the vehicles going to Leh and Lahaul are now allowed to go to Leh and Lahaul. Rohtang does not come.
On Friday DSP KD Sharma said that the tourists have been sent from Madhi to Rohtang. Parking arrangements are being made. There will be problem of traffic jam for some days, but once parking arrangements are made, the traffic system will become smooth.