Administration geared up to meet Christmas and New Year rush

Shimla, Dec 23 (UNI) The Shimla district administration is geared up to meet tourist rush from the neighbouring states and other parts of the country during Christmas and New Year, Deputy Commissioner Tarun Kapoor said today.

Five temporary additional parking lots have been identified and tourists visiting the town would be allowed to park their vehicles there from tomorrow till January two, he said at a press conference here.

Mr Kapoor said apart from these five locations, parking of tourist vehicles would also be allowed at Tara Hall and Bishop Cotton School grounds only on December 31.

Besides, additional parking facility has also been provided at Kufri Kalyani Helipad and Wildflower Hall Chhabra to Hotel Management Institute on hillside from tomorrow up to January one, he said.

He said two restricted routes from Kenneday House to Chaura Maidan and Ramchandra Chowk to US Club had also been thrown open for the tourists on Christmas and New Year.

The state tourism department has decided to organise an orchestra at The Ridge of the town every evening up till December 31 to entertain tourists, besides arranging a bonfire, he said.

The Shimla DC said Beopar Mandal and Hotel and Restaurant owners have been directed to cooperate with tourists and charge geniune rates besides keeping their shops open till late night.

Shimla district SP, Anand Pratap Singh, who was also present on the occasion said special security arrangements have been made to maintain law and order in the town.

He said additional security force has been deployed to ensure that the tourists were not put to any inconvenience during their stay here.

UNI AS JN SI RK1930