Sale of cigarettes, small water bottles and snack packets have been prohibited along the pilgrimage route to the Manimahesh Kailash peak in Himachal Pradesh to preserve the sensitive ecosystem of the region, officials said on Friday.
Deputy Commissioner, Chamba, Mukesh Repswal along with other officials inspected the facilities for pilgrims along the route from Hadsar village to Dal Lake, Manimahesh and asked shopkeepers to cooperate in environmental conservation and preservation.
The Manimahesh Kailash peak is located at an altitude of 18,547 feet in Chamba district and the yatra is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The yatra, which includes a 14 km trek from Hadsar to Dal Lake, officially starts on August 17 and concludes at the end of September. However, currently, about 60 trekkers and pilgrims are undertaking the journey every day.
Repswal inspected various arrangements, including the pilgrimage route, security measures, drinking water facilities, halting points, sanitation facilities, and waste management, and issued instructions to the departmental officials to ensure better amenities for the pilgrims.
Barring two main days -- September 4 and 19 -- about 5,000 people will be allowed to undertake the yatra daily, depending on weather conditions, he said.He said the sale of small-sized water bottles and small packets of snacks is prohibited along the pilgrimage route. Additionally, he issued instructions prohibiting the sale of bidis, cigarettes, and other tobacco products along the entire pilgrimage route.
The official asked shopkeepers to refrain from selling these banned items, keeping in mind the region's highly sensitive ecosystem and the need to protect the natural heritage of the Manimahesh Valley.
This measure aims to curb plastic waste along the route, prevent adverse impacts on local biodiversity, and ensure a clean, safe, and pollution-free environment for the pilgrims.
As 15 people died along the circumambulation route last year following heavy rains, the Manimahesh Trust has decided that the route would be closed for pilgrims from outside the state.
However, pilgrims from Lahaul coming from the 'parikrama' route and residents of nearby Kugti village would be allowed to take the route, besides people with experienced guides.
Registration has been made compulsory for all pilgrims this year, the officials said.
