A high-level committee set up by the government to review the project today quizzed the promoters of the Himalayan Ski Village company on issues relating to the environment, land, local rights and use of natural resources.

Manisha Nanda, Secretary (Tourism), who heads the committee, asked the promoters to respond to the issues that the officials raised today. One of them related to change of land use and clearances that the company has to obtain under Section 118 of the HP Tenancy and Land Reforms Act. The Act prohibits the purchase or sub-letting of agriculture land by outsiders.

"The company had proposed to get its resort built by a professional chain of hoteliers. Going by Section 118, the company can't pass on its rights to another company," an official told ENS.

Kullu Deputy Commissioner M. Sudha Devi, who is also a member of the committee, raised the issue of local rights of the villagers. Officials of the Environment Protection Department also asked about steps taken to prepare a environment management plan (EMP).

The company's Managing Director, John Sims, who was present in the meeting, had a team of senior executives looking into environmental issues. They assured that full care would be taken to protect the environment and rights of the locals. "This project will not interfere with the fragile Himalayan ecology and rights of the locals," Sims said.

Said Ramsubhag Singh, Commissioner, Tourism, "We have asked the promoters to send a point-wise response to all relevant issues related to environment, project area, locals' rights or town and country planning issues. The committee will like to finalise its report within the next two months and the promoters have been told to act quickly."