SHIMLA/MANALI, 31st December 2024: Shimla and Manali witnessed an unprecedented surge in tourist traffic during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Between December 11 and December 29, heavy vehicular movement was recorded at major entry points, straining infrastructure and resources.
Unprecedented Vehicle Count
At Rohtang Atal Tunnel, 96,007 vehicles entered, and 96,885 exited.
Shimla’s Shoghi barrier recorded 74,039 vehicle movements between December 24 and December 29, including 36,542 from other states.
From Tolland to TaraDevi itis a grid lock daily mainly during peak traffic rush hours from 9.00 AM in the morning till 7.00 PM . Hoteliers and shop keepers reaped good harvest, locals get miseries: carbon footprint, garbage and rocketing prices pushing city to its limits.
But Shimla police did a commendable job ensuring a bunker to bunker mobility on traffic hotspots from ISBT, Railway Crossing, Victory tunnel, Old ISBT, HPTDC Lift, Sanjauli and Dhalli in the snowy spots of Charabra and Kufri,
Ditto was the case in Manali and Lahaul. Trash and junk dumped on roadsides in snow.
Manali’s Green Tax Barrier saw 43,123 vehicles, including 1,688 Volvo buses, with 59% being local vehicles.
This heavy inflow resulted in grid lock between Solang and Manali for hours together daily, stretching carrying capacity of these tourist hotspots to Brink.
Police Efforts to Manage Chaos
DGP Dr. Atul Verma praised the efforts of the Himachal Pradesh Police in managing the surge.
“Our teams have worked tirelessly to ensure smooth traffic flow during this challenging period. Additional personnel and electronic monitoring systems were deployed to handle the situation effectively,” he said.
Special traffic regulation teams were stationed in Shimla and Kullu-Manali. These teams worked closely with local authorities for snow clearance and road maintenance.
IG TTR Gurdev Sharma emphasized the importance of public cooperation. “Tourists must adhere to traffic rules and follow safety advisories. Together, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone visiting our beautiful state,” he stated.
Environmental and Social Impact
The massive tourist influx also raised concerns over the region’s sustainability. Piles of garbage were left behind at key tourist spots, including Atal Tunnel and Shimla’s Mall Road. The carbon footprint from idling vehicles added to environmental worries.
Local residents voiced their concerns over the lack of effective waste management and the growing strain on Himachal Pradesh's fragile ecosystem.
The Way Forward
Environmentalists and locals are calling for stricter regulations to control tourist inflow.
Suggestions include daily entry caps, eco-friendly transport initiatives, and stricter penalties for littering.
The Diesel-run garbage and utility vehicles honking their ways on the chock- a -block Mall and RIDGE only add to the mind boggling chaos further created by tents and marts put up for Shimla Winter Carnival.
Ambulances struggle to take patients from KNH to IGMC and to and fro.
As the festive season winds down, the Himachal Pradesh Police reiterated their commitment to balancing tourism with safety and sustainability.
However, the long-term solution lies in adopting a sustainable tourism model that preserves the state’s natural beauty while accommodating visitors responsibly, said the experts.
