Finding a Balance to appease and control overcrowding of tourists.
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| Tourists heading up the hill for the weekend |
Per kind favour a concerned Abuite.
Nestled amidst natural splendour, Mount Abu, often hailed as “The Abode of the Gods,” witnessed a remarkable surge in tourist footfall during the recent pre-Independence Day weekend. While the predicted influx brought vibrancy to the hill station, it also brought to light some significant challenges.
From August 11 to August 15, 2023, Mount Abu experienced a record influx of visitors, turning its serene streets into a lively hub of activity. However, this expected outpouring in tourism came with its share of hurdles that the local administration had to contend with.
The picturesque journey up the winding roads of Abu, which provides a tranquil prelude to the stay for travellers, turned into a gruelling trek for many. The ascent, which takes a reasonable amount of time, stretched into hours as the steady stream of vehicles crawled upwards to their respective hotels.
Among this influx, an unfortunate pattern of unruly behaviour emerged. Reports emerged of tourists sitting atop car rooftops, revelling in open vans and consuming alcohol, showing little regard for the environment. Tourists littered the roadsides with empty cans and bottles or threw them into the valleys below, which marred the natural beauty that I know Mount Abu for.
Late at night on August 13, 2023, a concerning incident occurred at a significant intersection involving a tourist vehicle playing loud music. The presence of a passenger atop the car led to an impromptu street dance that caused a half-hour disturbance. It took the intervention of law enforcement to restore order and allow traffic to flow again.
The events raised important questions about the management of tourism in Mount Abu. Is there a place for such unbridled behaviour in a destination revered for its spiritual and natural allure? Could the local tourism administration have been more practical in curbing such disturbances before they escalated? The time seems ripe to explore avenues for creating selected spaces, such as discotheques, where the spirited energy of tourists can find expression without causing chaos.
As we reflect on these incidents, I invite my readers to share their insights and suggestions. How can Mount Abu strike a delicate balance between providing an avenue for tourists to unwind while upholding the tranquillity and charm that define the destination? Your perspectives are invaluable as we navigate the path ahead for this enchanting hill station.
The impromptu street dance caused a half-hour disturbance.
To see this video click on the video link.
Interesting Observation for this prolonged weekend
12 Aug - Saturday
13 Aug - Sunday
14 Aug - Medical leave/Casual leave/French leave
15 Aub - Independence Day (Holiday)
India to celebrate its 77th Independence Day.
Let's take a pledge to protect the Peace and unity of our Great Nation,
Happy Independence Day!
A very simple solution would be to stop all cars, except of residents of Mt Abu, at Abu Road. Public buses & taxis owned in equal numbers by Mt Abu & Abu Road should be put into service. The fares should be strictly controlled & monitored. This would reduce the traffic & congestion within Mt Abu.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments, Edi, however this might be a major stumbling point for most visitors who drive their own automobiles.Abu Road would have to have enough parking for the thousands of automobiles that frequent Abu.However, if just buses are targeted, it will be a godsend because these massive vehicles are a nuisance to traffic on Abu's tiny roads.
ReplyDeleteImplement an online traffic management platform or app that delivers real-time information on traffic conditions, parking availability, and public transportation timetables. This can assist travellers in making educated transportation options.