Strict Covid regulations enforced to streamline tourist rush at Shimla’s Ridge

Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, July 19

Following concerns over overcrowding on the Ridge and the Mall, especially on weekends, the district administration has enforced strict Covid restrictions to ensure social-distancing.

With concerns being raised from various quarters, including the Indian Council of Medical Research and the courts, on the surging crowds in the Queen of Hills and at other popular hill stations, the administration has enforced strict regulations.

The administration has regulated the entry of tourists onto the Ridge and the Mall. Also, most of the benches placed on the Ridge have been removed so that people do not crowd there and keep moving. Only a few benches have been left for the convenience of senior citizens.

Police officials have been told to ensure strict adherence to wearing of masks. Police have been deployed in larger numbers to prevent people from sitting or crowding. Those found without masks are being challaned.

The officials have been undertaking regular checking in hotels to ensure that social-distancing norms are being adhered to. Several hotels have been challaned for not ensuring adherence to Covid Standard Operating Procedures.

Police are undertaking random checking of tourist vehicles at the inter-state entry points to ensure that they do not carry weapons. This has been done following tourists indulging in arguments and scuffle with police who check them for not wearing masks.

The checking was put in place following tourists brandishing swords after an argument with the locals in Manali.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has urged tourists to behave responsibly and adhere to Covid norms in view of a possible third Covid wave.