MANDI/MANALI (Munish Sood)
In the bustling Himachal Pradesh tourist hub of Solang Nala in Manali subdivision of Kullu district, all adventure tourism activities have come to a sudden halt, leaving both tourists and local businesses in a state of uncertainty.
The suspension, now into its fourth day, stems from growing tensions between local panchayats and tourism operators over the alleged exploitation of tourists by middlemen.
Why tourism activities stopped?
The root cause of the suspension lies in the increasing involvement of middlemen who, under the guise of offering “tourist packages”, have been charging exorbitant rates for adventure activities.
These services include popular attractions like ATV biking, snow scootering, zip-lining, skiing, tubing, bungee jumping, giant swings, zorbing and traditional local dress rentals.
Local entrepreneurs claim that these intermediaries, who contribute little to the actual services provided, are earning substantial profits while the original service providers are suffering losses.
The competitive disadvantage faced by local operators has not only hurt their incomes but also eroded the trust of tourists, who end up paying inflated prices.
In response to this growing exploitation, the Palchan and Burwa panchayats took a bold step on January 27, 2025, to suspend all tourism-related activities until a fair system is reinstated.
The decision, though aimed at protecting local interests, has inadvertently led to an economic crisis for thousands dependent on the tourism sector.
Widening impact on livelihoods
The suspension has affected around 5,000 people directly involved in Manali’s tourism industry. This includes about 600 to 700 ski guides, 300 photographers and shopkeepers, adventure sports operators, local vendors and service providers.
Many of these individuals are local youth, while others have migrated from different states to work in Kullu’s thriving adventure tourism sector. Now, with activities at a standstill, their livelihoods hang in the balance.
Growing discontent among locals
The situation escalated when locals from Shanag and Gaushal panchayats tried to initiate discussions with Palchan and Burwa leaders. According to Pawan, a local businessman, proposals were presented during these talks, with assurances that the demands of the affected parties would be considered. However, no concrete resolution has been reached yet.
Roshan Lal, the head of Shanag panchayat, voiced frustration over the ban, stating, “This decision has not only affected tourists but has deprived local youth of their right to earn. We demand immediate intervention from the authorities to resolve the issue.”
In light of growing protests, hundreds of tourism operators and local businessmen met Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S. Ravish to discuss the matter. The Deputy Commissioner assured both parties that their concerns would be addressed through dialogue.
He emphasised the need to find a lawful and constitutional solution that prioritizes the welfare of Manali’s tourism ecosystem.
“We will hear both sides and ensure a fair resolution that benefits the region. Whatever is in the best interest of Manali will be implemented,” the Deputy Commissioner stated.
This crisis comes shortly after Manali faced a severe snowstorm in December 2024, which stranded over 5,000 tourists in Solang Nala. A large-scale rescue operation was carried out by the Kullu police and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), highlighting the region’s vulnerability to both natural and man-made disruptions.
