Dateline Mussoorie: Unlock two in the hill-station of Mussoorie has brought in hordes of tourists. Of course hoteliers and shopkeepers are not complaining as it means the cash registers are ringing. But it’s a Catch-22 of sorts: “There is 10% occupancy that might go up to 35% by the end of the month. Walk-in guests are a complete no-no. We allow only those who have proper papers to stay,” says Vineet Aggarwal, CEO, WelcomHotel The Savoy.
The local police are busy tackling day tourists from adjoining cities by enforcing rules and regulations in public places. Over one hundred and fifty chalaans have been issued in the past one-week. Speaking to Newspost, Devendra Aswal SHO Mussoorie says, “There are numerous entry points to Mussoorie. We are setting up check-posts at all entry points. We are issuing chalaans on the spot to violators as per the rules and regulations under the Epidemic Act.”
Life over livelihood seems to be leitmotif for many business establishments who have decided to remain shut, but for others it is a constant struggle between ‘do’ or ‘die’.
Ashish Srivastav, District Magistrate Dehradun assures us: “Tourists coming to Mussoorie are following government protocol. A Corona negative report by any ICMR lab, 72 hours prior of coming to Mussoorie is mandatory. These papers are being checked at all three entry points to Dehradun District and then again at Kothal Gate for those going up the hill,” adding, “Hotels have been asked to recheck Corona report of customers online once they check-into their property, to further verify their claims.”
With the town inadequate medical facilities, residents have been on an edge with cars and two-wheelers heading to what has been a safe heaven for its residents. Since the past hundred days and counting of the lockdown, the town has so far seen half a dozen Covid positive patients. But to some ‘Unlock 2’ is nothing short of a nightmare.
