The National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders restricting commercial activities in Rohtang area rocked the Vidhan Sabha today with BJP member, Gobind Thakur, alleging that the government was not contesting the case seriously in public interest.
Although, Chief minister Virbhadra Singh refuted the charge saying, "the government had shown concernat every step of the hearing but can approach the Supreme Court only after the NGT gave final order."
When the Chief minister said that the BJP member was trying to mislead the people in Manali, heated exchanges ensued and members were pacified only after the Parliamentary Affairs minister Mukesh Agnihotri assured that the government would discuss the issue tomorrow.
Thakur said that the people in Kullu-Manali area have been rendered jobless as about 55 per cent booking were cancelled following the NGT orders.
"The livelihood of local people in Manali including taxi drivers, paragliding operators, river rafting operators had been badly hit due to the order," Thakur said adding, but the government was indifferent.
He said that taxi operators were without any work and many delegations had already met Chief Minister on the issue and he had assured them to take up the matter to the apex court.
The Speaker intervened and said that he had referred the matter for comments of the government but the BJP members refused to relent.
Leader of Opposition Prem Kumar Dhumal said the Chief Minister's remark against the MLA was uncalled for as hewas concerned and worried about the people in his constituency.
He said that if the matter cannot be discussed under rule 67 (adjournment motion), it should be held under some other rule.
Dhumal said Virbhadra Singh has termed MLA as "interested party" but it is the question of livelihood of thousands of people.
The Speaker reiterated that he can decide on it only after receiving comments from government.
As tempers ran high, the Chief Minister said that the government had opposed the action of NGT at every step for Manali or Rohtang pass and had given the suggestions.
He said it was wrong to say that issue was not taken up effectively.
"We do not have any problem in discussion but the environment should be protected. I have respect for NGT but I disagree with action taken by it," he added.
He said government was putting up its side effectively but at the same time rulings of NGT too cannot be ignored.
Transport Minister G S Bali said that on the issue of CNG vehicles, Additional Chief Secretary (Forests) and Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) have already put forth their stand before the NGT.
Bali said on one test Rs 25 lakh was spent and government has no resources adding that it had been informed that plying one or two buses would not help and CNG depot should be provided to the state and theball is now in the NGT's court.
