Tourists returning hungry and thirsty from Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal: Hotels, Eateries Closed in Protest Against Dam Project

April 24, 2026

Tourists visiting Koksar, Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, are being forced to return hungry and thirsty. Hotels, dhabas, and restaurants in Koksar have remained closed for the past three days. Consequently, tourism activity within the valley has also witnessed a decline.

The situation stems from a proposal to construct a dam across the Dinfuk stream in Koksar. Local residents are vehemently opposing this project. They have collectively decided to keep all hotels, shops, and dhabas closed until April 25 as a mark of protest. As a result, tourists arriving in Koksar with the hope of witnessing snowfall are unable to find even basic refreshments or meals.

The Central Water Commission has already surveyed the construction of the dam on the Dinfuk stream. Villagers fear that building a dam in proximity to their settlement would endanger their homes and result in the submergence of their fertile agricultural land. In light of these concerns, the villagers are demanding that the dam be constructed at an alternative location.

Restrictions on Tourism Activities Ahead of Presidential Visit

Separately, a visit by President Droupadi Murmu to the Atal Tunnel is also scheduled. In view of this upcoming visit, all tourism-related activities—including drone operations and paragliding—have been suspended in the area extending from the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel to Sissu.

Tourism Activities Curtailed

Consequently, tourism activities in Koksar have come to a near standstill, causing distress among local tourism entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, tourists arriving from across the country in search of snowfall are now diverting to the Shinku La Pass; however, this route is accessible only via 4×4 vehicles. Chhajuram and Dayasagar, taxi drivers from Manali, noted that due to the ongoing protests in Koksar, very few tourists are currently venturing into the Lahaul region.

Demand to Shift Dam Location to be Presented to CM

Sachin Mirupa, Head of the Koksar Panchayat, and Pradeep Azad, the *Up-Pradhan* (Deputy Head), confirmed that all commercial activities and food vending operations within the Koksar Panchayat area will remain suspended until April 25. A delegation from the Panchayat, led by local MLA Anuradha Rana, is scheduled to meet with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to formally request a change in the proposed site for the dam.