Chief Secretary B.K Agarwal told here today that Shimla, popularly known as the Queen of Hills is all set to charm the tourists with its splendour & gaiety this summer season and the local administration together with the tourism sector stakeholders have made immense arrangements in this regard. He said that he have already reviewed the situation of water supply in Shimla and apprised that for the first time Shimla residents are getting daily water supply. Shimla Jal Prabhandhan Nigam Ltd (SJPNL) is lifting 45 to 50 MLD water daily for Shimla as compared to 28 MLD during last year in the month of May which is more than sufficient to meet the demand of local residents and also the tourists. He said that considering the tourist inflow on weekends this is also being increased to 55 to 60 MLD so that the tourists get ample water.He said that the increase in water supply is due to replacement of old pumps with high efficiency pumps and better filteration system have been installed for rapid filteration process. He further said that better coordination with HPSEB has also helped in improving the pumping hours and the situation is expected to remain the same throughout the summer.
Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism & Civil Aviation) Ram Subhag Singh said that that the Government have taken many positive steps for the facilitation of tourists during this tourists season wherein, issues like availability of water, parking, traffic management etc. have been fully addressed. He said that besides Shimla, it's surrounding destinations like Kufri, Mashobra, Naldehra, Chail too are also fully geared up to receive as many tourists this year.He further said that for the facilitation of tourists, Shimla now have built new parkings for more than 1000 vehicles and HPTDC lift joining Cart Road to the Mall road will remain open till 11:30 PM during the tourist season. Apart from this for the attraction of tourists regular performances of Army, Police, Home Guard band and private bands and cultural performances would be organized at the Ridge and the Mall and other selected locations during the tourists season.He also said that necessary directions have been given to the Tourism authorities for inspection of tourism units, so that there is no overcharging from the tourists, above the approved rates. For reducing the traffic rush on the main road, the administration has also made necessary arrangements which will ensure that there are no traffic snarls in the town. Even the tourists coming to the town will be guided by the additional police personals deployed during the season.