Shimla Bounces Back from Cloudburst and Landslide Havoc: Tourist Return Boosts Business Confidence as Weather Clears. Economic Impact Totals ₹8014.61 crore.
Shimla, once shaken by the devastating impact of a cloudburst and landslide that resulted in the tragic loss of over 70 lives, is gradually finding its footing towards normalcy. A glimmer of optimism arises as tourists cautiously return to the picturesque hill state, igniting hopes of a resurgence for the tourism industry, which had been severely battered by the onslaught of flash floods and relentless rains.
Jagdeep Singh, a tourist visiting the region, exudes a sense of excitement amidst the adversity, stating, “Fear is dissipating. I’m genuinely thrilled to be here. The weather has taken a turn for the better, and the rain has finally abated.” Echoing this sentiment, another visitor from Punjab acknowledges the occasional rainfall but emphasizes the appeal of the destination, asserting, “We’re a group of 8 from Punjab. Shimla is truly enchanting. Fear has no place here, and I encourage others to embark on this journey.”
Yusuf, a seasoned tourist guide who has weathered a decade of challenges, highlights the marked improvement in weather conditions. He shares, “After enduring considerable setbacks due to heavy rain and unfavourable conditions, tourists have started streaming back into the city. Our losses have been immense, and now, I’m on a mission to convey the message that Shimla is ready to welcome visitors, free from apprehension.”
A foreign traveller from the UK attests to the reopening of roads and the cooperative efforts of authorities. With a reassuring tone, they assert, “Safety prevails here. My insurance offers a layer of security. My brother chose this locale for his honeymoon last month, while my mother explored it four decades ago. Travellers need to exercise caution, especially during rainy periods. My advice to friends would be to consult weather forecasts before setting out. The experience is undeniably worth the journey.”
As Shimla gradually emerges from the shadow of recent tragedies, the resilient spirit of the city, coupled with the return of tourists, breathes life back into its veins. The journey towards recovery is marked by the shared determination to overcome adversity and restore the charm of this beloved destination.
Prince Kukreja, Vice President of the Shimla Hotel and Restaurant Association, paints a grim picture of the extent of losses incurred. “The impact has been staggering. The incident in Manali on July 9th led to a significant drop in tourist numbers. While we had bookings for August 14th and 15th, the Summer Hill incident caused yet another decline in influx. However, I’m optimistic that in the upcoming days, we’ll witness a gradual rise in footfall.”
The Meteorological Centre in Shimla forecasts the likelihood of light to moderate rainfall in various districts of Himachal Pradesh. The state has been grappling with heavy rainfall in recent days, resulting in flash floods and landslides. As the state continues to battle these weather challenges, the latest data from the government underscores the severity of the situation. Since June 24, the cumulative monetary loss in Himachal Pradesh has surged to an alarming ₹8014.61 crore. This grim toll includes the complete destruction of 2,022 houses and partial damage to 9,615 houses. Furthermore, the state has witnessed a staggering 113 landslides during this year’s monsoon season alone.