Tourist’s Thar drive through river to avoid Himachal road traffic costs him a challan
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A tourist in Himachal Pradesh chose an unconventional route to beat the overwhelming traffic congestion that has gripped the hill stations during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Faced with bumper-to-bumper traffic on the roads, the traveller opted for a daring drive through the Chandra River in Lahaul Valley, navigating the waters in a Mahindra Thar SUV.
The video of this daring escapade quickly went viral on social media, sparking both awe and criticism. While some marvelled at the ingenuity of the tourists, locals expressed concern about the potential dangers and impact on the fragile ecology of the region.
The Himachal Pradesh police responded by issuing a challan to the SUV driver under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, emphasizing the importance of adhering to traffic rules.
The traffic chaos is not limited to the river escapade; there have been massive jams on the Lahaul to Manali route, exacerbated by the influx of tourists flocking to Manali for Christmas celebrations and the allure of snow in Lahaul Valley.
The Atal tunnel in Rohtang, connecting Kullu, Lahaul, and Spiti, witnessed a staggering 55,000 vehicles in the past three days, leading to lengthy queues and disruptions.
Despite being a boon for the hospitality sector, the surge in tourist numbers poses significant challenges for local administration. With over 1 lakh vehicles expected to enter Shimla for New Year celebrations, the administration is grappling with managing the unprecedented influx.
Director General of Police, Shimla, Sanjay Kundu, urged tourists to prioritize safe travel practices and adhere to traffic rules, emphasizing the fragile ecology of the region and its susceptibility to natural calamities.
Shimla, the state capital, is experiencing a surge in parked vehicles, with approximately 60,000 vehicles lining the city's roadsides. On average, 12,000 vehicles enter Shimla on weekdays, a number that surges to over 26,000 on weekends during the peak tourist season.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reassured that the state is "managing (the situation) well," but the unprecedented traffic and ecological concerns underscore the need for a balance between tourism promotion and sustainable management.
