(TAN): The residents of Spiti Valley have unanimously decided to keep the valley closed for five more months till March 31, apprehending a spike in Covid-19 cases during the harsh winter months ahead. The decision has been taken despite the tourist destination suffering losses during this season due to the Covid-19 pandemic, said media reports.
A circular distributed by the Spiti Tourism Society reads, “It is with regret that we inform all travellers that Spiti valley is closed for all kinds of tourism activities till March 31, 2021. Tourism in the valley will resume from April 1. The decision has been taken unanimously after multiple meetings with the native population and stakeholders, including hoteliers, homestay owners, guides and travel associates to keep Spiti residents and tourists safe.”
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The residents had earlier said that they would consider opening Spiti to outsiders in November, but given the rise in the coronavirus cases, they have decided to remain closed till March 31.
Spiti valley is badly affected by the Covid-19 despite the strictest precautions, and officials claim that community transmission has already started.
“Considering the outbreak of Covid-19 among locals in the high-altitude region of Spiti, it will be impossible to contain the virus by isolating and maintaining social distancing among local people with the onset of extreme winter . Also, the limited medical services, underdeveloped infrastructure and adverse geographical conditions will only make the situation worse,” said residents to the media, under the aegis of Spiti Tourism Society.
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The members of the society said the decision to close down tourism is very difficult for them as the valley depends heavily on tourism but it is necessary to limit the spread of the virus. Many panchayats in Lahaul valley have also refused to host tourists for two weeks, and are likely to extend the ban if Covid-19 cases continue rising. Lahaul-Spiti district has 608 positive cases.
Spiti, the fastest-growing tourist destination of Himachal, is closed for tourists since mid-March. It is also the coldest region of Himachal where temperature dips below minus 20 degrees Celsius during the winter months. A large number of tourists visit Spiti in winter to experience snow and look for snow leopards.
