Pangong Lake opens to tourists after a year - lake was shut for tourists last year because of the pandemic and border tensions

The area around the water body saw India and China engaging in some of the worst confrontations after reports that China occupied the heights in Finger 4

The Pangong Lake : File picture

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Muzaffar Raina   |   TT   |   Srinagar   |    12.01.21  :  The Ladakh administration has re-opened Pangong Lake, the region’s most prized picnic spot and one of the main theatres of the ongoing standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies, for tourists after nearly a year.

 “The majestic Pangong Lake has been reopened for tourists starting January 10. So, get inner line permit (ILP) at http://lahdclehpermit.in, and visit this spellbinding lake,” tweeted Ladakh Tourism, the official Twitter handle of the tourism department of Ladakh Union Territory on Sunday.

The lake was shut for tourists last year because of the pandemic and border tensions, which broke out around the same time. China holds more than two-thirds of the 134km-long lake.

The area in and around the lake saw India and China engaging in some of the worst confrontations in the whole of eastern region after reports that China has occupied the heights in Finger 4 area.

Konchok Stanzin, the elected councilor of Chushul Constituency, which is also home to Pangong lake, said the restrictions on tourist arrivals were lifted on January 10 and tourists were free to visit the area.

 “The tourists are safe to visit the area. They can only go to the starting point of the lake which is far off from that place,” Stanzin told The Telegraph.

The councillor, however, said there is no improvement in the situation across eastern Ladakh.

“The situation is the same. It is no different (from what it was over months),” he said.

China apparently had thrown their side of the lake open in September last year, when videos surfaced showing Chinese welcoming the international tourists.

Stanzin had earlier claimed Chinese infrastructure including tents, bunkers and vehicles are clearly seen in Chushul and some other villages, suggesting they are in mood to leave. 

The Chushul councillor last week met Defence minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi, where he had complained about the lack of internet facility in areas close to Line of Actual Control, which was suspended in view of the hostilities.

 “In the absence of reliable Internet connecting these villages to the mainstream India, we feel neglected and digital India programme will fail in its primary aim. The Covid-19 has immensely disadvantaged our student’s community in terms of access to education. Many students and their families have shifted cities like Leh for want of internet to attend online classes,” a memorandum submitted by him to the minister reads.

The decision to reopen Pangong came a day ahead of Indian army’s move to hand back a Chinese soldier, who was apprehended by the Indian side in the southern bank of Pangong Tso. The soldier had transgressed to this side.

The soldier was returned to China at the Chushul-Moldo border point in eastern Ladakh at 10.10 am today. China yesterday had called for an immediate return of the soldier.