'Tourists cannot be stopped from entering Himachal Pradesh'

Shimla : In a major announcement, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur on Monday said that tourists cannot be stopped from entering the state; however, there should be regulations to stop overcrowding at tourist spots.

Talking to the reporters, the CM said, "You can’t stop tourists from entering the state. Tourism industry has been the worst affected (in aftermath of COVID), hence it’s not right to stop these activities. What can be done and is being done is regulation at crowded places."

Meanwhile, the Central government has said that gathering of people at tourist spots is an area of big concern and lowering our guards at this time cannot be accepted.

“We cannot lower our guard. A new risk is being seen at markets and tourist spots where a gathering of crowds being seen, social distancing and mask protocol is not being followed. This is a serious cause of concern. Visuals from tourist spots of people mingling without Covid protocols are a serious cause of concern,” Dr Paul had said.

Follow coronavirus guidelines in Himachal Pradesh

CM Thakur has urged tourists to remain vigil and follow coronavirus protocols as they visit tourist desitnations.

“Recently, a number of tourists towns including Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala saw high tourist inflow. We have ordered districts to deploy police force to regulate and monitor traffic and warn people against venturing into rivers etc during rains,” Thakur told ANI.

“At places where tourists are in large numbers, enforcement of COVID protocols is being done. We have also asked hotel associations to implement SOPs for the functioning of hotels. We want tourists to visit our state but they must follow COVID protocols,” he said.