Kasol-Manikaran Valley Stakeholders Join Hands to Promote Drug-Free and Safe Tourism

Kullu, August 22: The district administration has stepped up efforts to make the Kasol-Manikaran Valley a safer and drug-free tourism destination, with all key stakeholders agreeing to work together to curb illegal drug activities and address challenges linked to increasing tourist inflow.

A meeting of the Drug Prevention Committee was held at the Forest Rest House in Kasol under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner and Co-Additional District Magistrate Kullu Surjeet Singh Rathore. Superintendent of Police Kullu Abhishek Sekhar, senior officials from various departments, hotel and homestay representatives, Panchayati Raj institutions and local community organisations attended the meeting.

The meeting focused on preventing the illegal use, sale, trafficking and distribution of narcotic and psychotropic substances in the Manikaran-Kasol Valley. The administration also expressed concern over unauthorised music parties and other events where drug consumption or availability may be reported.

Officials stressed strict compliance with permissions and statutory approvals for events, noise-control regulations, law-and-order requirements and public safety norms.

The meeting also reviewed verification and record-keeping requirements concerning migrant workers in the valley. Hotel and homestay operators were specifically informed about the mandatory submission of C-Forms and were urged to ensure compliance with the prescribed procedures.

Local panchayat representatives, women’s groups, youth organisations and tourism stakeholders were encouraged to share information regarding suspected drug-related activities, illegal parties and other unlawful activities with the police or concerned departments. Authorities assured that the identity of informants would be kept confidential.

The meeting also discussed treatment and rehabilitation of people affected by drug addiction. Officials highlighted the need to connect those requiring assistance with appropriate de-addiction, counselling and rehabilitation services.

Traffic management, parking, congestion and road safety during the tourist season were also reviewed. The Superintendent of Police assured participants that necessary measures would be taken to address traffic-related issues.

Environmental concerns, including waste management, forest protection and the impact of tourism on the valley’s ecology, were also discussed. Officials emphasised stronger departmental and community participation in maintaining cleanliness and protecting the environment.

The Forest Department informed the meeting that approximately 100 hectares of illegally cultivated cannabis in the valley had already been destroyed through joint efforts with the police. The campaign against illegal cannabis cultivation will continue with increased intensity until September 15, with the objective of eliminating maximum illegal cultivation.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to strengthen coordination and regular information sharing among departments and local stakeholders. It was also decided that such meetings would be held regularly to review emerging challenges and ensure timely preventive action.