The Milam Glacier, perched at an altitude of approximately 18,000 feet, has been a cherished tourist destination in Uttarakhand, and the inner-line permit requirement had been a hindrance to tourism growth…reports Asian Lite News
The ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) has made a significant decision to enhance tourism in Uttarakhand by allowing tourists, mountaineers, and trekkers to visit the Milam Glacier without requiring an inner-line permit, a long-standing mandatory requirement.
The Milam Glacier, perched at an altitude of approximately 18,000 feet, has been a cherished tourist destination in Uttarakhand, and the inner-line permit requirement had been a hindrance to tourism growth.
According to Munsiyari Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Yashbir Singh, the ITBP has instructed its personnel to permit all tourists to access the Milam Glacier without the need for an inner-line pass. This decision was communicated via a letter from Robin Kumar, Deputy Commandant of the ITBP’s 14th Battalion, in response to a request made by the Pithoragarh district administration.
The district administration had approached the ITBP following a letter issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in October 1993, advising the removal of such restrictions. Traditionally, the ITBP had limited access beyond a place called Lilam, situated 12 km from Munsiyari, due to safety concerns related to landslides and road blockages along the route.
The Milam Glacier, located 61 km from Munsiyari, will now be more accessible to trekkers, researchers, and ordinary tourists, eliminating the frustrating inner-line permit requirement. This decision has been warmly welcomed by stakeholders in the region, including hotelier Puran Pandey, who highlighted its significance for those eager to explore the high Himalayan terrain.