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Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Uttarakhand mulls reopening Nanda Devi for mountaineers after 42-year ban
Dehradun: Uttarakhand is considering reopening Nanda Devi, India's second-highest peak (7,816m) after the Kanchenjungha, for mountaineering expeditions, more than four decades after it was closed in 1983 due to environmental concerns and a Cold War-era nuclear surveillance operation. The proposal was discussed during a high-level meeting between officials of the tourism department and the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) in Dehradun this week. Tourism secretary Dhiraj Singh Garbyal said the proposal was "under active consideration". He told TOI, "During the meeting, the issue of reopening of Nanda Devi was discussed with the IMF authorities. We have sought a formal proposal from them and on getting it, we will actively take up the matter with other stakeholders. The IMF has been making efforts for the reopening of the peak, but now the state tourism department will also follow the matter. " The meeting also discussed opening four additional peaks for mountaineering: Baljuri (5,922m), Laspadhura (5,913m), Bhanolti (5,645m) in Bageshwar district, and Rudragaira (5,819m) in Uttarkashi. In addition, officials proposed keeping Gangotri National Park open between Oct and March to allow winter wildlife tourism, especially for snow leopard tracking, based on the Hemis National Park model in Ladakh. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buying a Luxury Villa in Dubai: Step-by-Step Guide Villa for sale in Dubai | Search Ads Learn More Undo IMF president Colonel Vijay Singh said he had submitted a formal letter to the state govt requesting the resumption of expeditions on Nanda Devi. He said reopening the peak could significantly boost adventure tourism in the state. Nanda Devi, situated in Chamoli district of Garhwal Himalayas, was closed ostensibly to protect its fragile ecosystem but many believe a contributing factor could also have been an aborted secret mission to the peak that has continued to be an intriguing mystery. In 1965, a joint operation by the CIA and India's Intelligence Bureau attempted to place a nuclear-powered surveillance device near the summit of Nanda Devi to monitor Chinese missile activity. The device, fuelled by around 5kg of plutonium-238, was abandoned during a snowstorm and could not be recovered in a follow-up mission in 1966. It remains lost in the glacier, and while no contamination has been officially confirmed, experts have long warned that the radioactive material could pose an environmental risk to the rivers fed by the mountain's ice. Attempts to reopen Nanda Devi have been made in the past but have remained inconclusive. In 2001, the Centre gave in-principle approval to the state govt to allow controlled eco-tourism in the inner sanctuary on a trial basis. However, the plan was dropped after objections from conservationists and the scientific community. A similar attempt in 2012 by the then-state govt to permit limited expeditions was also withdrawn after sustained pressure from environmental groups, who warned that the sanctuary's fragile terrain and unique biodiversity could not absorb commercial activity. Environmental groups have consistently flagged the risk of increased human interference in the area, saying the region has only gradually recovered since the 1983 ban. Any future proposal to reopen the peak will require not just state-level clearances, but approvals from national environmental authorities, forest agencies and ecological review committees. The last major ascent of Nanda Devi took place in 1976. Earlier summits include the historic 1936 British-American climb and India's second ascent in 1964 led by Col N Kumar. The sanctuary was declared a national park in 1982 and a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1988. The area supports over 1,000 species of flora and rare alpine fauna such as snow leopards, blue sheep and Himalayan musk deer, across altitudes ranging from 1,800m to 7,817m. Nanda Devi also holds religious significance. The Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, held once every 12 years, crosses alpine pastures like Bedni Bugyal and draws thousands of pilgrims. The 20-day-long yatra, in which pilgrims cover around 280km of the Himalayan terrain on foot, is scheduled to take place next year.
NDTV
6 days ago
- NDTV
Travelling To Mussoorie Will Soon Need An Online Check-In Before You Go
Mussourie is a go-to destination for many travellers. Reason? Besides the perfect blend of natural beauty and colonial charm, the place's proximity to Delhi and Dehradun makes it an easily accessible escapade. But visiting this misty wonderland is soon going to need a registration before you go. What Considering the rising tourist numbers in Mussourie between 2022 and 2024, the Uttarakhand authorities are planning to introduce a pre-registration system for travel enthusiasts during peak seasons. The move is to fight traffic jams and congestion that Mussoorie sees during peak season every year. According to reports, over 11 lakh tourists visited Mussourie in 2022, with the numbers doubling to 21 lakhs in 2024 and hence the decision. What You Need To Do Before Visiting Mussoorie Before entering Mussoorie, travellers will need to fill out an online form with their contact details, vehicle number, accommodation, and dates of stay. After that, they are going to receive an OTP for registration purposes, followed by a QR code. It will be mandatory to show the QR code at any one of the three major checkpoints: Kempty Falls, Kuthal Gate or Kimadi. Domestic travellers will get the OTD on their phones, while international visitors will receive it via email. Tourists without a code will not be allowed to enter Mussoorie. Additionally, officials also intend to install Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems at the three main entry points to verify the QR codes as well as monitor the vehicles. Cameras will also be installed at the entry points to monitor inflow in real-time. What Officials Say Tourism Secretary Dhiraj Singh Garbyal stated that the system will first be introduced during high-traffic times like summer and winter holidays, as well as extended weekends, when tourist congestion is typically high. "The problem of overcrowding and long traffic jams is only during the peak season, so there's no point in having a year-round pre-registration system. Our teams are working on introducing the concept during those times,' said Dhiraj Singh Garbyal in a conversation with The Times of India. Tourism authorities recently held a meeting with Mussoorie stakeholders to review the proposed initiative. They also suggested steps such as converting certain roads into one-way routes during peak tourist seasons to ease traffic flow.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Time of India
Mussoorie plans to roll out tourist pre-registration to tackle overcrowding and traffic chaos
With tourist numbers in Mussoorie nearly doubling between 2022 and 2024, Uttarakhand authorities are preparing to introduce a pre-registration system for visitors during peak travel seasons to combat growing congestion and traffic jams. As per the reports, more than 21 lakh tourists visited Mussoorie in 2024, compared to over 11 lakh in 2022, prompting officials to propose stricter crowd management measures. As per the plan, tourists who fail to register may be denied entry at key checkpoints once the system is in place. According to Secretary (Tourism) Dhiraj Singh Garbyal, the system will initially be implemented during peak periods , such as summer and winter vacations and long weekends, when crowding is at its worst. Cameras will be installed at three entry points, Kimadi, Kempty Fall, and Kuthal Gate, to estimate real-time tourist and vehicle inflow. Read more: Beyond Ooty and Kodai: 9 underrated hill stations in Tamil Nadu 'The problem of overcrowding and long traffic jams is only during the peak season, so there's no point having a year-round pre-registration system. Our teams are working on introducing the concept during those times,' Garbyal told The Times of India . One of the most severely affected stretches is from Gandhi Chowk to Mall Road, where traffic snarls lasting several hours have become a weekend norm. In a tragic incident this June, a Delhi tourist died after being stuck in traffic and failing to receive timely medical assistance. The proposed online pre-registration form will collect key details including the number of tourists, vehicle and contact information, trip duration, and accommodation. Registration will be OTP-based, with Indian tourists receiving the code on their phones, while international visitors will get it via email. Once registered, tourists will receive a QR code, which must be presented at entry points. Read more: From Greece to Malta: Countries with the most lucrative Golden Visas and how to secure one Authorities also plan to deploy Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems at the three entry gates to verify QR codes and manage vehicle entry. Tourists without valid QR codes may be turned away. Tourism officials met with Mussoorie stakeholders last Friday to discuss the proposal. They also floated other potential measures, including making some roads one-way during peak periods. Meanwhile, construction work on Mall Road has been paused following a court order, amid concerns that ongoing development could worsen the town's traffic woes.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Time of India
Mussoorie may soon require tourists to pre-register visits to tackle overcrowding, traffic jams
Uttarakhand authorities are planning a mandatory pre-registration system for tourists visiting Mussoorie during peak seasons to combat traffic and overcrowding, which has surged significantly. The system will require online registration and a QR code for entry, with enforcement at key checkpoints using ANPR cameras. This initiative follows concerns raised by stakeholders and a tragic incident highlighting the dangers of congestion. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Authorities in Uttarakhand are planning to introduce a mandatory pre-registration system for tourists visiting Mussoorie during peak seasons, in a bid to address growing concerns over traffic snarls and overcrowding. The move follows a steep rise in tourist numbers, over 21 lakh visitors in 2024, compared to around 11 lakh in 2022, officials said, as reported by the proposed system, tourists will need to register online before arriving, provide their details, and obtain a QR code for entry. Without this code, access may be denied at three major checkpoints: Kimadi, Kempty Fall, and Kuthal Gate.'The problem of overcrowding and long traffic jams is only during the peak season, so there's no point having a year-round pre-registration system. Our teams are working on introducing the concept during those times,' said Dhiraj Singh Garbyal, Secretary (Tourism), Uttarakhand. He said the department will first estimate tourist and vehicle inflow during holidays and weekends by installing cameras at the main entry pre-registration form will collect data such as the number of tourists, their contact and vehicle details, accommodation, and tour duration. Indian tourists will receive a one-time password (OTP) on their phones to complete the process, while foreign tourists will get it via email. Once registration is complete, tourists will be issued a QR code that will be verified at the support the system, Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will be deployed to screen vehicles at the entry gates. Those without valid registration may be turned away, officials traffic congestion in Mussoorie has become a growing concern, particularly during weekends and holiday periods. In one tragic incident in June, a tourist from Delhi died after being stuck in a jam and unable to reach medical help in tourism department met with stakeholders on Friday to discuss implementation strategies. 'Through this exercise, we intend to study, assess the situation and then take effective steps like pre-registration or having one-way roads for entry and exit,' Garbyal construction activity on Mall Road has been halted following a court order, amid fears it could worsen the congestion. Hoteliers and local business owners have also flagged concerns. 'This is a recurring problem that needs a permanent solution,' said Sandeep Sahni, president of the Mussoorie Hotel Association
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Time of India
Mussoorie plans mandatory pre-registration for tourists to manage peak season crowd
Dehradun: Authorities are planning to launch a pre-registration system for tourists visiting Mussoorie during peak travel seasons to tackle overcrowding and manage traffic after footfall doubled between 2022 and 2024. Tourists who fail to register may be denied entry at key checkpoints under the proposed system. More than 21 lakh visitors had reached the hill town in 2024, up from over 11 lakh in 2022, officials said. Secretary (tourism) Dhiraj Singh Garbyal told TOI the first step would be to estimate the number of tourists and vehicles arriving during peak periods — summer and winter holidays and long weekends — by installing cameras at three entry points: Kimadi, Kempty Fall and Kuthal gate. "The problem of overcrowding and long traffic jams is only during the peak season, so there's no point having a year-round pre-registration system. Our teams are working on introducing the concept during those times," he said. Long traffic jams of several hours have become a frequent problem during tourist weekends, especially from Gandhi Chowk to Mall Road. In June this year, a Delhi tourist died after being stuck in congestion and failing to reach hospital care. The proposed registration form would collect details like number of tourists, contact and vehicle numbers, tour duration and accommodation. Garbyal added that tourism department officials met stakeholders on Friday and discussed key aspects of the plan. "Through this exercise, we intend to study, assess the situation and then take effective steps like pre-registration or having one-way roads for entry and exit," he said. The online registration will be OTP-based. Indian tourists will get their OTP on their phones, while foreigners will receive it by email. Once completed, the registration will generate a QR code. Vehicles entering Mussoorie will be screened through Automated Number Plate Recognition systems, and tourists without a valid QR code may be turned away at the entry points. The tourism department also plans to install Automated Number Plate Recognition systems at the three identified entry points. The QR codes will be verified by staff before allowing entry. Officials have also halted construction on Mall Road after a court order, citing concerns that ongoing work may worsen traffic congestion. Sandeep Sahni, president of Mussoorie Hotel Association, and others present at the meeting, raised concerns over the recurring problem.
