Devotees visiting Manimahesh to pay Rs 100 entry-cum-sanitation fee

Pilgrims visiting the sacred Manimahesh Lake in Bharmour — either before or after the official pilgrimage season — will now have to pay an entry-cum-sanitation fee of Rs 100 per person. The decision has been taken by the Bharmour Forest Division following directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which held the Forest Department accountable for maintaining cleanliness in the pilgrimage area during the non-yatra period.

To prevent littering and preserve the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, the department held a key meeting on Thursday with the Manimahesh Eco Development Committee (EDC) at the office of the Bharmour Sub-Divisional Forest Officer (SDFO).

Deputy Conservator of Forest Mane Navnath Shivaji said that based on discussions with EDC members, it was unanimously decided to impose the Rs 100 fee on all visitors during the non-official yatra period.

In addition, those intending to set up shops or eateries during the pilgrimage will be required to register with the Bharmour Range Forest Officer. Registration fees have been fixed at Rs 500 for small shops or eateries and Rs 3,000 for larger establishments. Strict penalties have also been proposed to deter unhygienic practices. Any shopkeeper or eatery owner found spreading waste around their premises will be fined Rs 5,000.

Each year, lakhs of devotees undertake a challenging 14-km trek to the oval-shaped lake, seeking a sacred view of Mount Kailash. The Manimahesh Yatra is one of the most revered pilgrimages in North India as it is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva.

Himachal Tribune