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| Photo Credit: Hindustan Times |
Himachal Pradesh Police recently issued a challan to the owner of an SUV for driving into Chandra river in Lahaul and Spiti region. This incident captured in the viral video has started a discussion on uncontrolled traffic system and its consequences.
Viral Video and its Consequences
The video shows a Mahindra Thar boldly crossing the Chandra river, presumably to avoid the heavy traffic congestion in the area. The SUV owner's attempt to cross the river, however simple, raised concerns among locals and officials alike. Himachal Pradesh Police took immediate action and issued a challan under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, a move to prevent such attempts in future.
Traffic Jam Due to Heavy Traffic
The incident came to light amid a Christmas weekend where the hill state struggled to cope with heavy traffic and influx of tourists. After snowfall at Atal Tunnel, a record number of 28,210 vehicles crossed in a single day, causing traffic problems at popular destinations like Shimla and Manali. Faced with the possibility of getting stuck in gridlock, the Thar owner opted for a daring river crossing.
Police Response and Public Reaction
Himachal Pradesh Police, reacting to the viral video, punished the SUV owner and also took precautionary measures to avoid a recurrence. SP Mayank Choudhary stressed the need to maintain traffic guidelines while underlining the potential dangers posed by such crazy activities. However, the incident has shocked the locals, who are torn between condemning the act and accepting the frustration of dealing with heavy traffic.
Drone Surveillance and Uncontrolled Behavior
In an effort to control the traffic, Lahaul and Spiti district police used drone surveillance to keep an eye on the traffic situation. The footage showed that the roads were jammed with vehicles and there was no space for parking facilities. As the crowd increased during the festive season, some people resorted to risky stunts, making the situation worse. In a separate video, a man was captured driving with his car doors open, leading to a heavy fine by the Kullu police.
Implications for Tourist Destinations
The influx of tourists during the Christmas season has exposed the weakness of Himachal Pradesh's infrastructure. The state's major slopeside resorts saw a flood of housing residents, reaching 90%, generating notable interest for skilled traffic officials. The Thar river crossing incident is a reminder of the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining order during the peak tourist period.
Conclusion
While SUV crossings across the river may provide a momentary solution to traffic problems, it also underlines the need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to handle the increasing influx of tourists. The prompt action of Himachal Pradesh Police signals its commitment to enforce traffic rules, urging people to look for alternative solutions that do not compromise safety or violate the law.
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