Shimla to permit only senior citizens at popular spots to manage overcrowding

As India is registering a decline in COVID cases, many states have also announced relaxation in COVID-related travel rules. Likewise, Himachal Pradesh has also announced that there was no need of producing an RT-PCR test for entering the state. Of course, the moment these relaxations were announced, the hill stations witnessed a surge in tourist arrival.

There have been instances of visitors overcrowding the tourist spots, whereas many were not even wearing masks and maintaining social distance. To implement COVID-appropriate behaviour and avoid the issue of overcrowding, Shimla authorities have now responded by taking strict action. It has been decided that only senior citizens will be now allowed to sit on popular spots, such as the Ridge and pavements along the Mall Road.Reportedly, benches that have been put up at these spots will be removed, while only the elderly people will be allowed to use the remaining ones. As per the reports, the number of people visiting these places will also be restricted to make sure COVID protocols are being followed.

Elaborating more on this, Shimla DC Aditya Negi issued an order, stating that the police would be deployed at the entry points for the Mall Road and the Ridge to control the crowds.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have also warned against the third wave of COVID after images of maskless crowds went viral on social media.