The Uttarakhand government has sought withdrawal of “inner-line permit” (ILP) system in Niti Valley of Chamoli district and Nelang Valley of Uttarkashi district.
- The state government wants better border management and expansion of tourism and other economic activities in villages located there.
- Nelong valley is an inner line area which is approximately 100 km from Uttarkashi headquarters.
- Niti village in Joshimath in Chamoli district is the last populated village before China border.
- In Uttarakhand, tourists have to obtain inner-line permit for locations near China border, at least in the three districts of Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh and Chamoli.
- Uttarakhand shares a 350-km border with China and a 275-km boundary with Nepal. Five of the state’s 13 districts are border districts.
- Chamoli and Uttarkashi share boundaries with China, whereas Udham Singh Nagar and Champawat have common boundaries with Nepal.
- Pithoragarh is strategically more sensitive as it shares boundaries with both China and Nepal.
(Source: Indian Express)
