Upper Mustang locals threaten to bar tourists

POKHARA/BAGLUNG, Aug 21: Locals of Upper Mustang have decided to bar entry of foreign tourists into the area from October 1, according to a press release issued by Upper Mustang Youth Society.



Chairman of the society Lopsang Chhomphel Bista alias Raju said in the release that they were forced to take the step because of the government´s neglect towards the development of the Himalayan district. [break]



Upper Mustang falls under Annapurna Conservation Area Project and is one of the most popular trekking destinations. The Upper Mustang area forbidden for foreigners until 1992.



The press release states, “The government in a verbal agreement had previously consoled the locals to invest 60 percent of total amount collected from tourists visiting Upper Mustang for local development and conservation of the area.



“Till 2009 end, 15,000 tourists visited Upper Mustang and the government collected more than 100 million dollar from the visitors,” the release claimed. Tourists visiting the area need to pay 500 dollar for special permit that lasts for 10 days and 50 dollars per additional day. Locals complained that they have not received any amount since 1994.



ACAP officials also confirmed that locals have not received any amount. ACAP Director Lal Prasad Gurung told Republica that it was not right to bar the tourists´ entry even though the demand of the locals is justifiable. He said he had met the officials of Finance Ministry and asked them to disburse the amount for local development but there has been no response so far from the ministry.



The money for the special permits is collected at the immigration office in Kathmandu. “Due to the lack of government´s attention, many tourists come to this area without the permit and we often send them back on ACAP´s expenses,” he said.



Local Development Officer of Mustang Mani Kumar Gynwali said, “Only 30 percent of total amount is sent by the Finance Ministry to the district while the locals have demanded 80 percent.”



“We have already informed the home ministry regarding the demand and issue is likely to be resolved before October,” Chief District Officer of Mustang Umesh Kumar Dhakal said.



Upper Mustang is visited by thousands of visitors every year to study and explore the geographical structure and Himalayan culture. In the wake of Nepal Tourism Year 2011, protest from the locals has worried tourism entrepreneurs.

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