Harish Janartha

Marred by the negative publicity after heavy snowfall in Manali, resulting in mass cancellation of all advance bookings of HP Tourism Development Corporation and other private hoteliers in the state, the HPTDC has swung into action and quashed the advisory issued by the Inspector General Police, desisting tourists for not visiting Manali and Kullu.

Harish Janartha, Vice Chairman, HPTDC claimed that the HPTDC is fully prepared to host the visitors and even has doled out various packages for X-mass and New Year Eve for guests to make this festive season memorable for them.

Quashing the allegations, Janartha claimed that HPTDC was well prepared to handle domestic as well as international tourist numbers. He said that the corporation has made elaborate arrangements at most of the tourist destinations and its properties.

He said the district administration has restored all affected roads to Manali and other nearby places and also reinstated electricity connectivity in the region.

He assured tourists that the state is safe to visit and administration has made all necessary arrangements to host them. He, however, advised visitors to carry proper woolen and warm clothes to visit snow-covered regions. He also advised them to drive carefully on snow and use good tyres for safer ride.

Earlier this month, heavy snowfall took everyone by surprise, leaving few tourists stranded en route Rohtang pass which were later rescued by the state authority. Sudden heavy snowfall had affected badly the road connectivity in Manali and Shimla valley, and left many trees and electricity poles uprooted adding woes of the visitors and administration.