Shimla authorities are finally responding to maskless tourists flocking popular spots at the hill station.
In wake of the looming third wave of COVID, the administration has decided that except senior citizens, no one will be allowed to sit on the popular spots of Mall Road and the Ridge.
The benches put up at these spots will be removed and only elderly will be allowed to use the remaining ones.?
The number of people at these places will also be restricted to ensure COVID protocols are being followed.
Shimla DC Aditya Negi, in an order, said police would be deployed at the entry points for the Mall Road and the ridge to control the crowds.?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur warned against the third wave of COVID after images of maskless crowd went viral on social media.?
¡°We want tourists to visit our state but they must follow Covid protocols," the Chief Minister was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
¡°Recently, a number of tourist towns including Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala saw a high tourist inflow. We have ordered districts to deploy a police force to regulate and monitor traffic and warn people against venturing into rivers during rains," Thakur said.?