MANALI: Himachal government has failed to construct an eco market at Marhi near Rohtang Pass despite the directions of the National Green Tribunal ( NGT ). To preserve the fragile ecology of the Rohtang Pass, the tribunal had directed the government to dismantle all illegal structures in Rohtang and Marhi areas and build a clean market there. The government was even provided Rs 7.8 crore just to build 20 shops and a parking at Marhi. The construction work, started since the beginning of 2014, has been going on at a snail’s pace.NGT has banned all commercial activities, including sale of eatables on government land in Rohtang and Marhi areas. On May 21, 2013, the Himachal forest department had demolished all dhabas in the area, except for 17 which had obtained stay order from the court. The tribunal had directed the state government to build an eco-friendly market at Marhi. The public works department designed a rigid structure for Marhi, which can withstand the burden of over 10ft of snow, blizzards and extreme cold conditions. A few structures have been raised in the area, but they are still incomplete.According to officials, Rs 7.8 crore was arranged for 14 large and six small structures (shops), a parking lot and beautification of Marhi. PWD (mechanical wing) sub-divisional officer Khushal said out of the 14 large dhabas, five are ready and three are nearing completion. “We have a target to complete all large structures by the end of this year,” he said.The officials said a chunk of government land has been finalized to develop as parking area at Marhi, just 2,000m below Rohtang Pass. The area is also being developed for many adventure tourist activities.District tourism development officer B C Negi said all the makeshift dhabas at Marhi would be removed after the completion of new structures. “The beautification of the place will start after completion of these structures,” he said.Earlier, officials had stated that the eco-friendly market would be ready by the end of 2016 and lottery system used to distribute dhabas and stalls, where local right holders would be given more preference. The officials blame the extreme weather conditions foe delay in work.Recently on July 3, the NGT had expressed its dissatisfaction over compliance report submitted by Himachal government on preservation of the ecology of Rohtang. The tribunal is insisting on building of the ropeway to the pass to decrease traffic congestion.

Stay updated with all the Latest Shimla headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.