Light snow at Rohtang Pass, tourists, stakeholders elated
The businessmen of Manali are elated after the high reaches, including the 13,058-feet high Rohtang Pass, received light snowfall yesterday. At present, there is no snow at the Rohtang Pass and the entire region has been witnessing a long dry spell.
Tourists visiting the Rohtang Pass yesterday were delighted to see the snowflakes. Sachin, a tourist from Delhi, said that they were happy to witness snowfall for the first time. Tourists are visiting various famous places in the state and enjoying various adventure activities, including rafting and paragliding. A huge crowd of tourists was seen in Manali at the weekend.
Meanwhile, the tourist influx has started increasing in Manali. Last week, more than 50,000 tourists had visited Manali and 6,136 vehicles, including luxury buses and tempos, from other states were registered at the green tax barrier at Manali. Occupancy in hotels increased to about 30 per cent. Tourists are coming to the mountains to get relief from smog and pollution, bringing cheer on the faces of the stakeholders involved in tourism business. They are expecting a good winter season considering the rise in the number of tourists in Manali at the weekend.
Tourists are reaching Rohtang from Manali via the Atal Tunnel and Koksar. Last week, 2,170 vehicles from other states had entered the Lahaul valley through the Atal Tunnel. Tourists coming from all over the country and abroad and tourism businessmen are awaiting snowfall.
Businessmen of Lahaul say that the tourist footfall has not been on the expected lines but it is increasing despite a dry weather. Tourism beneficiaries Vikram, Rajat and Ravi have expressed hope that as soon as snowfall starts, tourists will flock to the valley once again.
Meanwhile, the Manali police have taken charge to control traffic. They are deployed at every nook and corner of the city to maintain law and order. Manali DSP KD Sharma has appealed to tourists to follow traffic rules and maintain law and order.
