Old photo clicked in May 2023 used for indicative purpose only. Photo by: Vishal Sarin
Shimla, Apr 11,
In a detailed submission to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul-Spiti, Rahul Kumar, clarified that the popular tourist destination Koksar is not being “mindlessly” transformed into a tourist hotspot. The clarification came amid concerns raised in an ongoing case regarding garbage disposal and environmental degradation due to increasing tourist influx.
Located at an altitude of 3,140 meters near the Atal Tunnel’s north portal, Koksar in Lahaul & Spiti district has witnessed a significant rise in tourist footfall since the tunnel opened in 2020, offering year-round access to Lahaul. The region’s natural beauty and strategic location have made it a sought-after destination. However, the administration emphasized that strict regulations are in place to prevent any ecological harm.
DC Rahul Kumar informed the NGT that tourist entry into Koksar is strictly regulated based on weather conditions. “Tourists are only allowed when the weather is clear. In the event of snowfall or rainfall, entry is restricted to ensure the safety of visitors and to preserve the fragile ecosystem,” he said.
The administration has deployed police personnel at the north portal of the Atal Tunnel to screen and regulate tourists. “Only those with proper permission are allowed entry,” Kumar said. Additionally, stringent measures are in place to curb littering. He noted that Rs 20,000 has been collected in fines from violators recently, as part of the district’s anti-littering drive.
The affidavit was filed in response to a petition by an environmental NGO, which raised alarm over the ecological consequences of unregulated tourism. The NGO highlighted the absence of scientific waste management and pollution control systems in the area, which remains under snow for much of the year and is classified as an ecologically sensitive zone.
In the status report, the Deputy Commissioner, along with the Gram Panchayat and the State Pollution Control Board, recommended a multi-pronged approach to ensure sustainable tourism. These include conducting a scientific study to determine Koksar’s carrying capacity, setting up a proper garbage recovery facility, regulating vending zones, and installing CCTV cameras to monitor tourist flow and traffic.
The NGT took note of these submissions and appreciated the district administration’s efforts to regulate tourism while safeguarding the region’s ecology. The tribunal directed that further steps be taken to ensure cleanliness, scientific disposal of waste, and crowd management in Koksar.
In its directive the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a series of crucial orders aimed at preserving the fragile ecology of the region. The tribunal has instructed that the entry of tourists into Koksar must be strictly regulated, taking into account real-time weather conditions and the area’s ecological capacity. To curb environmental degradation, it has mandated strict penal action against those found littering and emphasized the need for regular cleanliness drives. In a bid to improve oversight and ensure smooth movement, the NGT has called for the expedited installation of CCTV cameras and the implementation of effective traffic management measures. Furthermore, the tribunal has directed that a scientific study be undertaken to assess Koksar’s carrying capacity, which would serve as the basis for framing sustainable tourism policies. Lastly, the NGT stressed the urgent need for developing and implementing a comprehensive garbage collection and recovery mechanism in the region.
The matter remains sub judice, with a parallel case also pending before the Himachal Pradesh High Court. Both courts are monitoring the developments closely to ensure that the pristine beauty and ecological integrity of Koksar in Lahaul are not compromised in the face of growing tourism.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
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