The local administration acted quickly to limit the spread of infection after multiple photos of tourists breaking COVID-19 rules in Manali’s hill station surfaced.
Tourists who are caught without masks need to pay a fine of Rs 5000 or 8 days in jail, according to the authorities. The cops have recovered around Rs 3 lakh from tourists in the last few days.
“We started this campaign to raise awareness among tourists. Those who do not wear masks need to pay a fine of Rs 5,000 or an 8 day prison sentence. ANI quoted Gurudev Sharma, Superintendent of Police, Kullu, as stating, “We have registered over 300 challans in the previous 7-8 days and have recovered Rs 3 lakh.”
The COVID-19 awareness campaign, according to the administration, was launched in response to the influx of tourists who flocked to the state following the relaxation of restrictions.
The national government warned that stringent limitations would be imposed in the hill stations again after seeing photos of crowds in areas like Manali and Mussoorie earlier this week.
“People visiting hill stations do not behave in a COVID-compliant manner. If protocols are not followed, we can revoke the relaxation of restrictions,” said Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry.
“The images (from hill stations) are terrifying. People must behave in a COVID-compliant manner “ICMR Director General Dr. Balram Bhargava stated.
