Lease loopholes threaten Kullu valley's ecology, economy - The Tribune

Illegal tourism growth in Kullu district has escalated into a regional crisis, threatening the region's delicate ecology, local livelihoods, and cultural identity. Authorities recently shut down 45 unregistered hotels, homestays, and camping sites in Kasol as part of a crackdown, underscoring the scale of noncompliant operators. In Manali, the legal tourism sector includes more than 1,000 registered hotels and 300 homestays, while the Manali Hoteliers Association lists 685 members. The issue also extends beyond unregistered guesthouses to lax leasing practices that let outsiders dominate tourism facilities through long-term leases. Officials say these unregistered operations undermine taxes and distort the local economy.