Himachal Pradesh Grapples with Heavy Tourist Influx Amid Christmas and New Year Celebrations

The influx of a large number of tourists into the state of Himachal Pradesh to celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year has led to severe traffic congestion on roads connecting several tourist destinations. The heightened traffic volume has significantly strained the transportation network, leaving no space for parking facilities, particularly in Lahaul and Spiti districts.

Challenges Amid Festive Season and Traffic Surge

The surge in vehicle numbers ahead of the festive season has resulted in deteriorating law and order conditions in the region. Himachal Pradesh Police reportedly issued challans on Monday for allegedly driving SUVs in the Chandra River in Lahaul and Spiti.

    In an effort to prevent similar incidents in the future, police officers have been deployed to monitor the area using drones. "To ensure that such offenses are not repeated in the future, district police have stationed officers in the area," mentioned a police official.

Traffic Chaos and Risky Driving Incidents

   Amid the traffic mismanagement, several individuals engaged in risky car stunts, leading to disturbances. A video that went viral on social media depicted a person driving a car with an open door, while the driver was seen hanging from one door. The police in Kullu took cognizance of the video and imposed a fine of ₹3,500.

The heavy concentration of vehicles on roads leading to Manali-Rohtang Pass and the Atal Tunnel route caused massive traffic jams due to insufficient public spaces and parking facilities. Local authorities during the Peak Adverse Weather Condition (PAWC) are struggling to manage the flow of traffic.

Efforts to Manage Tourist Influx and Traffic Surveillance

  Authorities are resorting to drone surveillance to monitor law and order, ensure tourist safety, and regulate local traffic. The scenes of large crowds of tourists gathering in Shimla for the Winter Carnival and Christmas season have been witnessed.

Tourist Rush Creates Traffic Snarls

The advent of the festive season, especially the pre-Christmas evening and New Year's arrival, draws thousands of tourists to Himachal Pradesh. The state's renowned tourist destinations, notably the 9.2-kilometer-long Atal Tunnel at an elevation of 10,000 feet, have witnessed an overwhelming influx of tourists.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu welcomed the massive influx of tourists into the state and highlighted the management efforts. He noted the heavy traffic flow, particularly over the past three days, estimating around 55,000 vehicles passing through the Atal Tunnel in Rohtang, connecting Kullu, Lahaul, and Spiti.

Authorities Prepare Amid the Surge in Tourist Arrivals

CM Sukhu commended the district administration and police officers' tireless efforts to efficiently manage the massive influx of tourists, especially at the northern and southern portals of the Rohtang Tunnel. He emphasized the need for cautious celebrations during Christmas, ensuring peace and safety, lauding the district police's special arrangements and devising a police action plan for better traffic management during Christmas.

Authorities are working round the clock to ensure the safety of tourists, especially during the evening hours due to snowfall and black ice on slippery roads. The police have enhanced surveillance through CCTV cameras and drones, maintaining stringent vigilance in Kullu district to uphold law and order and ensure the safety of travelers, particularly given the slippery road conditions during snowfall and icy roads, as per a Kullu district police press release.