Himachal Pradesh's Tourism Suffers Major Blow from Heavy Rains in Current Year

Since the onset of heavy rains from 24th June, 2023, the Tourism industry has been badly hit due to severely damaged routes in Himachal Pradesh.

Dharamshala and Mcleodganj constitute major tourist destinations. The National Highway from Dharamshala to Mcleodganj is severely damaged in several places which is having devastating effects on tourism. Heavy rains in Dharamshala alone have resulted in an estimated loss of over Rs 6 crore, and this figure could rise further as reports from various departments are still pending.

According to Prem Sagar, a hotelier in Dharamshala, the monsoon season, which lasts around 90 days, is currently ongoing. He observed that this year, the monsoon began on schedule but had seen a substantial increase in rainfall compared to previous years. He attributed the trouble to unplanned constructions obstructing water flow at various places. Prem Sagar stated that the monsoon season caused damage to the national highway from Dharamshala to Mcleodganj in just thirty days. The tourism industry, already affected by Covid for three years, now faces more challenges due to bad connectivity from landslides and flash floods, resulting in over ninety per cent decline.

According to Dharmesh Ramotra, the SDM of Dharamshala, the usual rainy weather in the area has significantly impacted daily life this year. There has been a reported loss of over Rs 6 crore in Dharamshala,  He also mentioned that the road from Dharamshala to McLeodganj has suffered damage at multiple locations. Additionally, the Khada Danda road, another major alternative route, has been affected, causing traffic diversions. These damages have severely impacted the tourism industry, resulting in a significant decline in the number of tourists visiting Dharamshala.

As of Saturday, the monsoon has resulted in 187 fatalities since its onset on June 24 in Himachal Pradesh, as reported by the State Disaster Management Authority. Currently, 34 people remain missing, and 215 individuals have sustained injuries. The calamitous weather has caused damage to 702 houses, while 7161 houses have been partially damaged. Additionally, 241 shops and 2218 cow sheds have been affected by rain and floods.

The estimated loss due to these events amounts to 5620.22 crores rupees. Himachal Pradesh has witnessed 72 landslides and 52 flash floods, and over 650 roads, including three national highways, are closed.

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