Decision on Rohtang issue not acceptable, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes vice-chairperson says

MANALI: Supporting the voice of residents of tribal Lahaul-Spiti district, Pangi and Ladakh regions, who are upset with the orders of National Green Tribunal (NGT) to restrict movement of old vehicles on Rohtang, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes vice-chairperson Ravi Thakur said that keeping tribals deprived of fundamental rights is not acceptable.

Following orders from NGT, Himachal government is going to stop movement of vehicles older than 10 years on Manali-Rohtang highway from May 6. Also, it will be mandatory for all tribals to obtain permission to drive their vehicles on this route beyond Vashisht, 3 km from Manali. Saying that they will be treated like foreign nationals and will be harassed to use the road every time, tribals living beyond Rohtang Pass have started raising their voice against the decision.

"Residents of Lahaul-Spiti and Pangi are forced to cross Rohtang to reach their house. Himachal government and tourism department have already approached NGT and now I'll keep the side of tribals before the ministry of environment," Thakur said. He added that taking permission from the administration even to go home will not be accepted.

"I'm ready to fight all possible legal fights for the favour and rights of tribals," he said. Himachal government is going to impose complete ban on all vehicles on Manali-Rohtang road from May 6. All other vehicles will have to obtain permission from local administration and green fees will also be collected from them.