Police to be stricter on tourists to abide Covid norms in Kullu-Manali

Tribune News Service
Kullu, July 9

After the remarks of ICMR and Union Health Ministry showing concern over overcrowding in hill stations and people not following Covid appropriate behaviour, the Kullu police has strengthened its campaign to apprise people and the tourists that those not wearing a mask in public places can be arrested without warrant, sent to jail for up to eight days or be fined Rs 5,000.

Kullu SP Gurdev Sharma said there is a provision under Section 111 of the Himachal Pradesh Police Act, 2007 that authorises all police officers of the district, not below the rank of sub-inspector, to arrest a person found not wearing a mask without warrant.

He said that violators can be imprisoned up to eight days on conviction or may be fined up to Rs 5,000, or both.

He said that the compounding fee was from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 upon repeated offence.

The pictures and videos of tourist rush in Manali after the second wave subsided were published in various media platforms.

The ICMR DG had reacted to pictures of overcrowded hill stations, shopping areas and other public places as “frightening”.

The Union Health Ministry warned that it can re-impose restrictions again if Covid protocols are not complied with.

Referring to the massive footfall of people in hill stations, the ministry stated that gross violations of Covid appropriate behaviour can nullify the gains so far.

The government on Tuesday flagged “frightening laxity” on part of the people and said the timing and scale of the third wave would depend on collective behaviour.

The Rustom volunteers and the police have been carrying out the awareness campaign across the district.

They are visiting markets and apprising people to adhere to the Covid protocols. They are also visiting marriages and creating awareness through corona songs. The police had increased patrol and were challaning the violators. The people are being made aware through public announcement vans.

However, some beneficiaries of the tourism industry opined that police should fine Rs 100 and provide a mask.

They said that a Rs 5,000 fine and 8 days imprisonment will have a bad impact on tourism and deter tourists from visiting.