Inner-Line Permit” (ILP) System:
The Uttarakhand government, in a recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, had sought withdrawal of “inner-line permit” (ILP) system in Niti Valley of Chamoli district and Nelang Valley of Uttarkashi district for better border management and expansion of tourism in villages located there.
- The ILP system restricts movement in areas close to the border for everyone other than those with formal permission.
- In Uttarakhand, tourists have to obtain ILP for locations near the China border, at least in the three districts of Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh and Chamoli.
- Pithoragarh is strategically more sensitive as it shares boundaries with both China and Nepal.
- Nelong Valley, Uttarkashi: Nelong valley is an inner line area (India-China border) opened to domestic tourists only during the day. It is approximately 100 km from Uttarkashi headquarters.
- Niti village, Chamoli: Located at an altitude of around 3600 meters, Niti village in Joshimath in Chamoli district is the least populated village before China border.
