Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Kullu, December 9

Hoteliers of Kasol in Kullu district are in distress. Following the High Court’s orders, the district administration has snapped the power and water connections and sealed over 40 commercial establishments.

Kasol town is known as ‘mini-Israel’ of the state where a large number of Israelis have settled and running business.

Concerned over the drug seizures, especially cannabis, from hotels in the area during raids conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau, the High Court had directed the district administration to check the legality of all these hotels, guesthouses and dhabas, saying that it would help the authorities check the illegal trade of cannabis, known as ‘Malana cream’, operating from these establishments.

Today, the district administration sprung into action to implement the court orders and disconnected the water and power connections. The properties were sealed and a detailed report will be submitted to the court soon.

The affected hoteliers termed the action a hasty move. They said the authorities should have issued them notices before sealing their properties.

Pankaj Goswami, who runs a camping site at Kasol, rued: “It is not fair. The authorities sealed the properties in a haste and gave us no time. A majority of the commercial structures have been constructed on private land and the people are paying tax. They also possess legal documents.”

Prem, a hotelier at Kasol, said: “We are keen to register with the District Tourism Department, but the area is under the Special Area Development Authority (SADA) due to which it is difficult to meet the requirements. We have requested the state government to provide a dumping site at Kasol and connect the town with the sewerage system, but no to avail.”

“I had applied for registration in 2014, but learnt that we first require an NOC from the Town and Country Planning Department. Due to SADA, it is difficult to comply with the norms,” he remarked.

Kishan Thakur, president, Hoteliers Association, Kasol, said: “Now, we will move the High Court seeking relief. With the closure of commercial establishments in such a large number in the region, the tourism activity will be affected severely and people will lose their livelihood.”

Kullu Deputy Commissioner Yunus said: “The action was taken as per the directions of the court and we are bound to implement the order. The power supply to over 40 commercial establishments has been disconnected.”

Power, water connections cut