December 27, 2023: As the festive season unfolds, the picturesque hill stations of Himachal Pradesh find themselves inundated with merrymakers and tourists, exacerbating the already challenging traffic situation. In a daring move that caught the attention of social media, a man took an unconventional approach to beat the traffic and reach his destination in Lahaul and Spiti.
The individual in question drove his SUV across the Chandra River, creating a viral sensation online. However, the joyride quickly turned into a legal matter as the Himachal Pradesh Police, led by Superintendent Mayank Chaudhry, took action against the driver for violating the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. A challan was issued, emphasizing the consequences of such daring feats on public roads.
To curb future offenses, the district police deployed personnel to monitor the region where the incident occurred. The influx of tourists during Christmas and New Year celebrations has led to significant traffic congestion, prompting locals and authorities to seek innovative solutions to the traffic conundrum.
The Mahindra Thar owner’s creative river-crossing escapade, although facilitated by relatively low water levels, faced criticism from locals once the video began circulating. The incident highlighted the need for effective traffic management as holidaymakers flocked to popular destinations, contributing to congestion on Himachal’s roads.
In Lahaul and Spiti district, police turned to drone surveillance to gain a comprehensive view of the traffic situation. The footage revealed long queues of vehicles congesting the roads, coupled with a lack of adequate parking facilities. The authorities are grappling with the challenge of balancing the region’s popularity as a tourist destination with the need for smooth traffic flow.
As the holiday season progresses, reports of reckless driving and car stunts amidst traffic chaos have added another layer of concern. A viral video depicting a man driving with doors open, hanging precariously from one of them, prompted the police in Kullu to take swift action, imposing a fine of INR 3500 to deter such risky behavior.
Unfortunately, this is not the first instance of Himachal’s hill stations grappling with severe traffic conditions during festivals and holidays. The recurring issue underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions and heightened enforcement to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors navigating the picturesque but congested roads of Himachal Pradesh.