Manali administration imposes a Fine Of Rs 5000 Or 8-Days In Jail For Flouting Covid-19 Protocol

After pictures of tourists breaking the COVID-19 protocol in the hill station of Manali surfaced on social media, Manali administration has come up with new directives.

After pictures of tourist crowds went viral on Social media, the town administration sprung into action to prevent the spread of infection and has imposed a charge in form of fine of Rs 5000 or 8 days in jail for tourists who are found flouting Covid 19 protocols. A couple of days before, the police have picked nearly Rs 3 lakh from tourists. Mr.Gurudev Sharma, Superintendent of Police stated that “We have initiated this drive to make the tourists aware. Those not wearing masks can be punished with Rs 5,000 in fine or 8 days in jail. We have recorded over 300 challans in the last 7-8 days and have recovered Rs 3 lakh,” Kullu was quoted, as per the sources.

The town administration stated that after easing of restrictions, the COVID-19 awareness campaign was initiated in wake of tourists thronging the state. Earlier this week, when it revealed the pictures of tourist crowds from hill places like Manali and Mussoorie, the Center warned that on the basis of recent scenario, they would impose restrictions on hill stations due to crowds during the pandemic.

Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry, stated that “People travelling to hill stations are not following COVID-appropriate behaviour. We can nullify the ease in restrictions again if protocols are not complied with” 

Talking about the viral pictures, Dr Balram Bhargava Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). stated that the "Pictures (from hill stations) are frightening. People must comply with COVID-appropriate behaviour,"