Himachal Pradesh Decides To Follow Carrot And Stick Policy With Tourists
Shimla, July 8 (TNA) With the hordes of tourists arriving in the state, Himachal Pradesh government has decided to follow the carrot and stick policy to deal with the influx of tourists who are largely flouting the Covid norms in the peaceful social and pleasant climate of the hills.
“Himachal Pradesh is called God’s land, famous for its hospitality and peaceful environment. After drop-off in the covid cases, we have opened our borders to welcome the tourists, expecting them to follow the standards of operating procedures defined in the pandemic laws,” said Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister after the cabinet meeting held here on Wednesday.
Any tourist found violating the Covid appropriate behaviour would face the stringent action and might land into a jail as happened with few rowdy and violent tourist in Mandi few days ago.
Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh government took stock of the post-covid situation in its cabinet meeting held in Shimla today and ordered all the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police to strictly enforce the Covid appropriate behaviour at all prominent tourist places in the state.
The Central Modi government yesterday shot a letter to the Himachal Pradesh government asking it to strictly impose the Covid protocol in all hugely tourists crowded hill stations or face the nullification of the easing of the restrictions in the state.
The Kumbh fair like disastrous pictures of flouting covid norms by overcrowded tourists in Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala had sent fear and terror of impending ‘third wave’ visiting many parts of the country.
-- Nagender Ranta
(The writer is a Shimla based journalist and contributes for TNA)