MEA writes to Himachal Pradesh govt over illegal hotels in McLeodganj

DHARAMSHALA: Rampant illegal constructions in McLeodganj has forced the Union ministry of external affairs (MEA) to take up the issue with the Himachal Pradesh government.
In a recent communication, the MEA has stated that it had been taking up the issue with the state government since 2016, but no stringent action has been taken. The Union ministry has also written to every department, including home secretary, district administration and civic authorities, on the subject.
The MEA has written to the HP government stating that illegal constructions of hotels was hindering operations of its office situated at McLeodganj.
The office, which was established in 1960 in the building where Lord Elgin, British Viceroy of India, used to live during the 18th century, has been set up due to exile seat of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in the area.
The Union ministry had several times written to the state government on the issue. A letter dated May 21, 2018, states, “The MEA has constructed a parking in McLeodganj with an investment of Rs 1.25 crore, but unfortunately its office in the area has been facing problems from illegal construction to execute its duties.” Another letter in this regard was written in February this year.
Inquiries at the spot revealed that several hotels have come up in the vicinity of the MEA office and these don’t have any parking facilities in clear violation of the rules. As a result of the tourist vehicles parked on the road blocked the way to the office.
“The government vehicle of the director liaison office is protocol car for the Dalai Lama, but situation on the road has created a mess hindering the vehicular movement,” same stated the MEA letter to state government.
When contacted, director liaison office Siddharth Malik confirmed that a letter had been sent to the state government in this regard and action was awaited. “Even my predecessors had also raised this issue with the state government. Illegal acts of the hoteliers is affecting our routine work, but action was awaited from the civic authorities,” he added.