Locals in three valleys – Byas, Chaudas, and Darma – of Dharchula district tehsil recently staged a protest against the introduction of helicopter tours to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat.
During the demonstration held in Dharchula, villagers expressed their discontent by submitting a memorandum to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and threatened to boycott the upcoming Lok Sabha polls if the helicopter service initiative was not revoked.
The prominence of the peak rose after Prime Minister Modi visited Parvati Kund in October 2023, from where Adi Kailash is visible. Subsequently, there has been a surge in tourist footfall in these areas, leading the government to introduce helicopter services.
Rajan Singh Nabiyal, Chairman of Byas Janjati Sangharsh Samiti, emphasized that the helicopter initiative goes against the interests of the local people and undermines ecological safety. He warned that if the government does not reconsider its decision, villagers in these valleys will indeed boycott the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
