Great Escape

Is Mussoorie ready to handle summer influx of tourists? Sanjay Tamta finds out…

As the temperature rises in the plains and heat became unbearable, tourists make a beeline to Mussoorie. For obvious reasons Queen of the Hills is numeo uno choice for many. The tourists inflow has considerably risen over the last few backs and with them seasonal problems like traffic snarls have once again come to the fore. This is just the beginning and the peak span of maximum visitors is on the cards. But is the Queen of the Hills ready for the symmer of 2010? Is there inadequate parking space this year? Speaking to Mussoorie Plus, the Chairman of the Nagar Paalika Parishad Mussoorie O.P. Uniyal said, "Parking and traffic jams are indeed some of the major problems which the town face each season. To address them state's chief minister has permitted four sites for spacious parking lots, out of which the Landour parking has been completed and is functional. Work on the massive Kingkraig parking is in the full swing and work on Library and Picture Palace parking would commence soon. Former would have a three-tier complex as well. I have also proposed for a loop from Classic Heights to Vishnu Palace encircling Savoy Post Office."

Segregation and functions of authorities is no doubt a chaotic situation in Mussoorie and civic amenities like water, electricity and health need a lot of improvement. "The much-awaited Rs.16 crore Hardy waterfall harvest scheme would rectify the water shortage situation to a great extent and Rs.62 crore has been green signaled from the state government for sewerage treatment on which work has already begun. Besides, the chief secretary Uttarakhand recently summoned a meeting involving the governing bodies and responsible authorities to look into the matter seriously and prepare a report so that loopholes can be filled.

Apart from civic grievances, a lot more attention is needed towards enhancement of tourist interests as the sole economy of the town depends on it.