Troubled by pollution, tourists turned to Himachal, occupancy in hotels increased

Shimla, 10 November (HS). After Diwali, the increased level of air pollution in neighboring states including Delhi is becoming a problem for the people. Tourists from outside states are heading to the hill stations of Himachal to breathe in the open air. This weekend, there is an influx of tourists in the major hill stations of the state, Shimla, Manali, Kullu, Kasauli, Dalhousie and Dharamshala. Tourists are also flocking to tribal districts Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti.

A sudden increase in the number of tourists is being recorded in these tourist places. At present, about 60 percent of the hotels in Kullu, Manali and Shimla are filled with tourists. Whereas before Diwali the occupancy of hotels was 20 percent. A large number of tourists are strolling on Shimla's historic Ridge Ground and Mall Road since Saturday. Tourists are also reaching Kufri and Narkanda tourist places adjacent to Shimla.

A family who reached Shimla from Delhi said that it was becoming difficult to breathe due to pollution from firecrackers and vehicles in the plain states including Delhi. In such a situation, he has come to Shimla to breathe in the open air and will spend a few days here.

Gajendra Thakur, President of Federation of Himachal Hotel and Restaurant Association, said that tourists are reaching the tourist places of Himachal to get relief from the increased pollution in the plain states. Due to the arrival of tourists this weekend, occupancy in hotels has increased. There is expected to be a crowd of tourists throughout the month of November.

Seven thousand vehicles entered Shimla

According to Shimla Police, about seven thousand vehicles entered Shimla city from 12 noon to 12 midnight on Saturday. Most of these were vehicles from outside states.

Shimla's climate is clear, AQI remains at 66 after Diwali

Pollution levels have improved after Diwali in the hill stations of Himachal Pradesh. Talking about Shimla, the climate here is cleaner than other cities. Compared to Shimla, there was more pollution in Manali and Dharamshala. While the air quality index of Shimla was 66, it reached 80 in Manali and 109 in Dharamshala. The good thing is that less pollution was recorded in Shimla than last year. The air quality index of Shimla has improved significantly. After Diwali last year, the air quality index in Shimla was 78, which came down to 66 this year. Whereas last year the air index in Manali was 55, this time it reached 80. Although it is in satisfactory category.