Complete Ban on Sale of Plastic and Other Prohibited Items – Kulbir Singh Rana

200 New Pre-Fabricated Toilets to Be Built Along the Manimahesh Trek for Pilgrim Convenience

Bharmour: A pivotal meeting of the Manimahesh Trust took place on Thursday at the Mini Secretariat Conference Hall in Bharmour, focusing on the preparations for the Shri Manimahesh Yatra 2025. The session was led by Trust President and Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Bharmour, Kulbir Singh Rana, with participation from both governmental and non-governmental members.

During the discussions, comprehensive plans were laid out to facilitate a smooth pilgrimage experience. ADM Rana urged all relevant departments to implement necessary management strategies within the established timelines. He specifically instructed the health department to ensure sufficient medical services along the pilgrimage routes.

Furthermore, he directed the Public Works Department to install crash barriers along the Bharmaani road and initiate widening and repair work on the pedestrian path from Hadsar to Dunali. The electricity department was tasked with establishing power supply infrastructure from Hadsar to Dhanchho.

To enhance sanitation management, the Block Development Officer has been designated as the nodal officer, responsible for ensuring the timely repair and operational status of all toilets from Bharmour to Manimahesh Dal Lake. A cleanliness initiative is planned for July, and ADM Rana encouraged local residents to participate actively.

In terms of connectivity, Rana announced plans for a mobile tower in Balmui, which will significantly enhance communication services up to Dhanchho.

ADM Rana reiterated that the will be conducted in strict compliance with the directives of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). A committee has been established under the guidance of the Bharmour Forest Division Officer, including local stakeholders, to ensure adherence to these regulations. He emphasized the ecological sensitivity of the Manimahesh pilgrimage area, underscoring the necessity for all departments to follow NGT guidelines to maintain its natural integrity and biodiversity.

In line with NGT mandates, the sale of plastic and other banned items will be entirely prohibited, and online registration will be compulsory for all pilgrims.

Officials from the National Highway Authority reported that the tarring and asphalt layering of National Highway 154-A from Bharmour to Bagga will commence the following day and is expected to be completed within two months.

The meeting also covered various proposed infrastructure enhancements along the pilgrimage route. Among the new development initiatives are:

• 200 pre-fabricated toilets will be constructed along the trek.


• 200 streetlights will be installed on the Manimahesh route.


• Grid power supply will be established from Hadsar to Dal Lake.


• 50 solar streetlights will be installed along the Bharmaani pedestrian route.

ADM Bharmour highlighted the necessity for active involvement from all trust members to guarantee a safe, well-organized, and successful pilgrimage.

The meeting was attended by District Tourism Development Officer Rajiv Mishra, District Language Officer Tukesh Kumar, Bharmour Forest Division Officer Navnath Mane, Regional Transport Officer Chamba Ram Prakash, Block Development Officer Ramanveer Chauhan, along with non-government representatives Ranjit Sharma, Bhajan Thakur, Parsottam Sharma, Kuldeep Singh, Sanjeev Kumar, Mahendra Sharma, Suman Kumar, and officials from various departments.

Mahinder Patyal