In a confidence building measure spelling normalcy in J&K, the government has given its nod for opening of a whopping 104 peaks for expeditions. The peaks — located in the Leh-Ladakh area — along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC) were so far ‘restricted’.
The peaks that have been given clearance include Lingsarmo (6955m), Rungofarka (6395m), Techafarka (6495m), Pt 6148, Shafat-I (6800m), Photoksar (6080m), Shafat-II (6302m), Shafat-III (6155m), Chiling-I (6349m), Chiling-II (6253m), Hagshu-I (6515m), Kangyarrag (6210m), Kangyassay I (6401m), Lalung-I (6243), Lalung-II (6157) and Lalung-III (6126m).
The move, mooted by the tourism ministry, was cleared by the defence and home ministries. Expeditions will now only require clearance from the Indian Mountaineering Federation (IMF). The decision will make India a more competitive adventure tourism destination in comparison to neighbours like Pakistan and Nepal. At present, while Nepal offers over 100 mountaineering expeditions, Pakistan has about 60 while
India can only muster about 30-odd expeditions for tourists.
Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) president Tejbir Singh Anand said, “Unknown peaks draw attention and we hope that this will be good for the industry.” He added that the process of getting clearances could also be shortened with this decision. At present, IMF has to be contacted three months before an expedition for security clearances.
The defence ministry’s clearance has been given with certain conditions. It wants expeditions to follow only those routes to approach the peaks that have been approved by the Army. It also said filming and installation of equipment could be done only after prior permission from the Army. The expedition team is expected to carry GPS and will be accompanied by a liaison officer either from government organization or from a panel cleared by the government. It will also have to get clearances from the state government.
“The decision will help boost flagging foreign tourist arrivals and improve India’s branding as a adventure tourism hotspot,” an official said. The government had in last year’s budget exempted adventure equipment like skis from custom duty. This, along with exemption of protected area permit for areas in Arunachal Pradesh, is likely to give foreign tourist arrivals a major boost.
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