(TAN): Lahaul-Spiti valley of northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh has been closed for tourists till April, 2021 in view of the sudden rise in the Covid-19 cases, according to media reports.
Tourists flock at the destinations in large numbers for spectacular snow-sighting.
A police check-post has been reportedly set up at Sissu to stop outsiders from visiting the valley. Tourists have also been advised to not visit the Atal Tunnel. Lack of medical facilities, high altitude etc. may cause severe damage to public health in the region if Covid cases go unchecked, said Pankaj Rai, Deputy Commissioner Lahaul-Spiti, to the media.
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The authorities in Keylong have also banned public gatherings of more than four under Section 144 to check the spread of the virus, according to media reports. The Himachal government may also enforce night curfew at Shimla, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu and Mandi.
Apparently, this also means all homestays and tourist accommodations will stay shut in Spiti for the year 2020. Hotels and tourist properties have restarted operations in other parts of Himachal, considering it is a peak holiday season.
