Shimla, Jun 14
The part lifting of the RT-PCR test restrictions and allowing 50 per cent public transport in Himachal Pradesh after two months is posing a herculean task for Shimla police to manage crowds and adherence of strict Covid protocol with effect from today.
Shimla Superintendent of Police Mohit Chawla said that during last 24 hours approx 3100 vehicles entered in Shimla city. Police is doing it’s best to maintain the smooth flow of traffic. Shimla police urges the tourist to follow the covid protocol said that they have urged public or tourist to not shirk away from the ideal Covid behaviour in wake of pandemic. Moreover now a new drone would keep eye an on the public movement and congestion in Shimla town along with CCTV cameras.
He said that in past 48 hrs thousands of vehicles enter the town. Shogi barrier registered about 8100 vehicles or tourist cars and SUV after coming into force the new relaxation.
The Corona curfew is relaxed from 0900hrs to 1700hrs in most places of state, the condition of RT-PCR negative tests is withdrawn while taking Covid e-pass, section 144 is lifted and public transport fleet is allowed with 50pc occupancy.
Local businessman said that easing out of restrictions already increased the footfall of Tourist on the weekend I.e Saturday and Sunday however congestion on the state entry points might be owing to movement of outside locals to state who may have wanted to avoid the increase of influx of tourist which was expected to increase today onwards.
Mall road and Ridge ground saw heavy footfall of locals and tourists on Monday with relaxation in Curfew for eight hours in the day. Police Officer Santosh Thakur said that patrolling was being done by number of police personnel and challans were being issued as soon as any one was found without a mask in the public.
Corona cases are coming down every day in the state but it was achieved by losing thousands of lives, draining out of the Economy and livelihood, Education and liberty of public should not be allowed to be spoiled by any negligence to abide Covid guidelines, cautioned another businessman of town Vikash Thakur.
Summer and early Monsoon season are the times when Shimla, Manali and Dalhousie and other tourists spots witness heavy footfall of tourists even more than snowy winters.
It would be not easy for the Administration to manage the crowd efficiently, he said.
Shimla district reported 28 new cases of corona Virus as 386 new cases recorded in state on Monday and seven people died of it. Number of Cases mounted up to 198876 n the state
and active cases 4432.
