In the midst of rising temperatures in north India’s plains, people have turned to hills for relief. However, visuals from tourist spots of people not adhering to Covid-19 protocols are a “serious cause of concern” and an “open invitation” to the virus, said the Centre on Friday, while asserting that lowering of guard cannot be accepted at present.
The Union Health Ministry has warned that overcrowding in tourist destinations like Uttarakhand, Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh can be dangerous if the Covid guidelines are not followed.
“We cannot lower our guard. A new risk is being seen at markets and tourist spots where a gathering of crowds being seen, social distancing and mask protocol is not being followed. This is a serious cause of concern,” said Dr V.K. Paul, Member-Health, Niti Aayog during a press conference here.
“Visuals from tourist spots of people mingling without Covid protocols are a serious cause of concern. This has been highlighted in the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he added.
The Himachal government is concerned about the growing number of visitors to the state. Suggestions are being sought on how to control the crowd. However, the state administration has no intention of stopping travellers as the tourism industry employs thousands of people, though it may impose some limitations on people arriving from other states.
Unlocking is also in process in Uttarakhand. In such a situation, a big number of people are flocking to the state’s tourist attractions. Crowds swarming tourist destinations in the midst of a possible third Covid-19 wave could make the government’s job even more difficult. The government is currently attempting to manage it while also maintaining the smooth operation of tourism.
With Covid-19 curbs being relaxed and restrictions on movement being removed, more and more people are heading out to tourist destinations like Shimla, Manali, Mussoorie and Nainital to beat the heat of the plains. What’s more worrisome is that a large number of people are leaving their masks and social distance at home while in the hills. Concerning visuals have surfaced from these places of people overcrowding markets and tourist spots, even as the fear of a possible third wave hitting the country is very much alive and haunting.
“Isn’t this an open invitation for the virus to come and infect us?” Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal said during the same press briefing as visuals of tourists flouting norms at Mussoorie’s Kempty Falls played in the background. “We are still dealing with the second wave of Covid-19. We need to continue the display of Covid-appropriate behaviour,” he added.
Several gardens in Tamil Nadu’s Kodaikanal hill station have been closed again from 6 July. This decision was made one day after the state’s lockdown was lifted. The decision was made due to a large number of reckless tourists, according to local officials.
Meanwhile, the Himachal High Court has shown its unhappiness about Covid-19 protocols being disregarded in the state. The court directed all the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of the state to increase the monitoring and get it strictly followed. The DCs have been told to give their Covid reports to the court on a weekly basis.
Earlier, the Union Health Ministry had told the state about a larger number of tourists reaching the state and disregarding Covid rules and protocols.