No tourism activities allowed in Spiti valley till October 31

Dipender Manta

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Tribune News Service

Mandi, September 17

The government has opened the borders for anyone willing to visit the state but residents of the Spiti valley have decided not to resume tourism activities till October 31 in the wake of the surge of Covid-19.

The Spiti Tourism Society has taken the decision in consultation with local people and other stakeholders. Sonam Targey, a spokesperson for the society, said, “We want to inform all travellers and tourists, who are planning to visit the Spiti valley in the coming days, that no tourism activity will be conducted in the valley till October 31 in the wake of the Covid outbreak”.

“No tourism activity of any kind such as jeep safaris, package tours, trekking and camping will be allowed. The decision not to resume tourism and keep Spiti and tourists safe was taken unanimously after several meetings with all stakeholders such as hoteliers, home stay owners, guides, travel associates, cab drivers, panchayat representatives and villagers and the local village committees formed to fight Covid challenges,” he said.

He added that the decision was also taken considering the consequences of the pandemic for the high altitude region of the Spiti valley which has limited medical facilities, underdeveloped infrastructure and extreme geographical conditions.

“As the winter is approaching, the Spiti valley will be far more vulnerable to Covid-19. Anyone needing medical assistance will have to be taken outside Spiti and maintaining social distancing in cold conditions will not be possible,” he added.

“’We collectively believe that our valley cannot afford exposure to the pandemic. The decision not to resume tourism is a difficult one for us, as the valley depends heavily on tourism, but it is a necessary step to check the spread of Covid-19 in the Spiti valley,” said Sonam.

The society urged tourists to postpone their travel plans for the season. Sonam said that a memorandum regarding the decision had been submitted to the local administration at Kaza. Notice boards had been put up along the roads to Spiti from Kinnaur and Manali sides to make travellers aware about the decision of the society.