Covid-19: To check crowding, benches removed from Shimla Ridge

Tribune News Service

Shimla, July 19

The district administration has enforced strict restrictions to ensure social distancing after concerns were raised over overcrowding on The Ridge and The Mall here, especially at weekend.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and even courts had expressed concern over surging crowds in the capital city and other popular hill stations.

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

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today said that the district administrations should not discourage tourists from coming to Himachal as the hospitality sector had been hit very badly. But at the same time, visitors must behave responsibly and adhere to norms. “My request to tourists is to stay away from rivers and water bodies to avert a mishap,” he said. Overcrowding must be avoided at all cost, as the threat of the third wave of Covid looms large, he added

The administration and police officials all over the state are strictly ensuing wearing of masks. The police have been deployed in strength to prevent people from sitting or crowding a place, and they are being prodded to keep moving. Those found not wearing masks are being penalised.

The officials are conducting regular inspections at hotels in Shimla to ensure social distancing there. Several hotels have been challaned for not ensuring adherence to the SOPs.

The police are also doing random checking of tourist vehicles at the inter-state entry points to ensure that they are not carrying swords, sticks or other weapons. This is being done following the incidents of tourists engaging in arguments and even scuffling with police personnel.