Himachal Pradesh issues new Covid rules after tourists rush in
The Himachal Pradesh government has issued a travel advisory for tourists and made Covid e-pass mandatory after thousands of people flocked the state, popular for its scenic mountain towns and resorts, causing massive traffic jams in several areas over the weekend.
Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jai Ram Thakur said on Monday said though the government has removed the condition of RT-PCR negative report entering the state they must follow Covid-19 guidelines. While replying to a media query about the heavy rush of tourists seen on the state’s borders, Thakur said nobody will be allowed to flout the government's norms to check the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Thakur said people visiting the state would be monitored through registration on the Covid e-pass software. He said pass applicants have to enter their particulars in the online system and that details of their arrival were being shared with all the stakeholders concerned.
Roads leading to Himachal Pradesh saw congestions, bringing traffic to a standstill, on Sunday as tourists from the neighbouring states of Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, Delhi and Uttarakhand made a beeline. This came after the Himachal Pradesh government's announcement that RT-PCR negative tests are no longer required to enter the state.
Mohit Chawla, Shimla's superintendent of police (SP), said at least 5000 vehicles entered Shimla from the Shoghi barrier on Saturday and Sunday. "There is a huge influx of tourists after the state government relaxed Covid guidelines. We anticipated the increase in the tourist movement during the weekend, but what is heartening to note is that people are following Covid protocols," he said, according to news agency ANI.
Chawla said 10 additional police reserves are deployed in the whole district along with traffic police to manage the influx of tourist vehicles. "Around two and a half to three reserves are stationed alone in Shimla city along with city police to manage the tourists. Patrolling parties are guiding the tourists and we are requesting them to follow Covid protocols," he added.
