Chandigarh: Himachal Pradesh is grappling with substantial traffic congestion on its roads as an influx of tourists heads to the hill stations for Christmas and New Year festivities. Amid this traffic chaos, a resourceful tourist opted for an unconventional solution to beat the gridlock—choosing to traverse a river instead of navigating the crowded roads.
A widely circulated video captures the tourist skillfully driving a Mahindra Thar SUV through the Chandra River in Lahaul Valley. Fortunately, the water level was not alarmingly high, averting potential hazards. However, locals have voiced criticism in response to the video.
The authorities have taken action against the SUV driver, issuing a challan under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. SP Mayank Chaudhry emphasized that police personnel have been deployed at the river crossing point to prevent such offenses in the future.
A significant traffic jam ensued along the Lahaul to Manali route when the tourist steered the car into the river. The holiday season has drawn an increased number of tourists to Manali, a popular destination in Kullu district, eager to celebrate Christmas and witness the snow in Lahaul Valley.
The Atal tunnel in Rohtang, connecting Kullu, Lahaul, and Spiti, witnessed the passage of around 55,000 vehicles in the last three days, contributing to traffic congestion. Videos circulating on social media depict long lines of vehicles on the roads.
While the tourist influx is beneficial for the hospitality sector, managing the surge poses challenges for the administration. The ecological impact on the fragile region, prone to natural calamities, is a growing concern.
Sanjay Kundu, Director General of Police, Shimla, urged tourists to prioritize safe travel practices and adhere to traffic rules. The upcoming New Year celebrations are expected to bring over 1 lakh vehicles to Shimla this week, adding strain to the existing traffic situation.
In response to concerns, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured that the state is effectively managing the situation. However, the need for sustainable management and consideration of the region’s delicate ecology remains paramount.
