Manali hoteliers oppose sharp rise in pollution board fees

Hotel operators in Manali have strongly opposed the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board’s substantial increase in consent fees for establishing and operating hotels, with the revised fee structure reportedly raising charges for smaller establishments by up to 150 per cent.

The Hotelier Association Manali has demanded reconsideration of the decision, saying the increase would impose an additional financial burden on an already struggling tourism industry.

Association president Roshan Thakur expressed concern over the revised charges during a meeting of association office-bearers. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said the tourism sector was already dealing with several economic challenges and that increasing consent fees was unjustified.

Thakur said the charges for smaller hotels had increased from Rs 14,000 to Rs 35,000, while those for larger hotels had risen from Rs 70,000 to Rs 1.8 lakh.

He said tourism businesses were facing mounting financial pressure, particularly because of rising electricity and water bills.

Hoteliers flag inadequate government support

Thakur alleged that the government was not doing enough to promote tourism through marketing initiatives, leaving businesses in Kullu-Manali and other parts of the state to undertake promotional activities on their own.

He said tourism operators were independently investing in marketing and promotional efforts, adding that government support could help strengthen these activities.

Drawing comparisons with Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir, he said their governments were working alongside tourism businesses to support the sector.

Demand for relaxation in hotel regulations

The association president also raised concerns over difficulties faced by hotel operators in installing fire safety systems, alleging that complicated procedures were creating obstacles.

He demanded relaxation in conditions applicable to hotels established before 2016.

Thakur further said stringent Town and Country Planning (TCP) regulations were creating difficulties for hotel businesses and urged the government to reconsider the rules.

Association seeks government intervention

The association has expressed dissatisfaction with the increased consent fees and other regulatory challenges affecting tourism establishments.

Thakur maintained that the tourism industry was already facing considerable economic pressure and that additional charges could further aggravate the difficulties of hotel operators.

The association has called upon the government to review the revised fee structure and reconsider regulations affecting the hospitality sector.