Manali, sept 29: The strategically crucial Rs 948 crore Rohtang tunnel project, envisaging an all weather alternative to the shelling-prone Srinagar-Leh route, is facing teething troubles with the Himachal Pradesh government showing "reluctance" in land and forest clearance. The border roads organisation (bro), assigned with the herculean task of building the about nine kms tunnel across the Pir Panjal range, said it is finding it difficult to build the approach roads to the mouth of the tunnel in Kullu and Lahaul valleys with the state forest department showing "reluctance" in allowing land diversion. "The proposal to allow diversion of land is still pending with the Himachal Pradesh government. We are also having difficulty in getting forest land and the permission to cut trees on the approach roads," P K Mahajan, commander, 38 border roads task force, told visiting reporters here.

He, however, said the tunnel, which would be completed in 10 years, will be "unique in Asia." The tunnel is part of a larger project envisaging the development of the strategic Manali-Leh axis into an all-weather alternative of the Srinagar-Leh axis via Zozilla Pass, which can be "easily shelled" by Pakistan.

The tunnel is also expected to improve the socio-economic conditions in Lahaul-Spiti, which generally remains cut-off from the rest of the country from November to May.

"At present 13,500 feet Rohtang pass remains open from June to October", he said. Bureau Report