Spiti valley residents decide to shut hotels, homestays amid coronavirus scare

Tribune News Service

Mandi, March 15

The residents of Spiti valley in tribal district Lahaul and Spiti have decided to shut down all hotels and homestays for tourists in wake of coronavirus (COVID-19) threat.

The people took a unanimous decision that hoteliers of the area will make arrangements on their own to send back the tourists — who are staying in Kaza — toward their respective destinations in next three days.

Padam Dorje, a resident of Spiti valley, said a request letter has been submitted to local administration to bar the entry of tourists in Spiti valley from Sumdo ahead from Kinnaur side to Spiti valley. While Kunzum pass is still closed for vehicles, there is no chance of tourists entering Spiti from the Manali side or Lahaul side.

He added, “We also urged the local administration to restrict the entry of migrant workers till next month.”

Agriculture Minister Ram Lal Markanda has already asked the district administration to keep vigil over the movement of people and ensure screening at entry point from the Manali and Jammu and Kashmir sides into the district.