CM Pushes For Tourist Safety in Shimla

CM orders strict food safety, pricing checks and cleaner public spaces

Shimla, Jan 12

Emphasising tourist safety in Shimla, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Municipal Corporation Shimla to strengthen civic management, enforce hygiene standards and ensure fair pricing for visitors, following an on-ground review of Mall Road and nearby high-footfall areas.

The Chief Minister, who visited key tourist zones on Saturday evening, said vendors must strictly adhere to approved rate lists for food items and goods, warning that overcharging would invite strict action. He stressed that maintaining transparency in pricing is essential to protect visitors and uphold the city’s credibility as a tourist destination.

Sukhu also directed officials to ensure rigorous enforcement of norms prescribed by the Directorate of Health Safety and Regulation and the Food Safety and Standards Authority, saying food quality, hygiene and safety must not be compromised under any circumstances. He noted that poor compliance not only affects public health but also damages the state’s image.

Tourist Safety in Shimla Linked to Civic Cleanliness

Highlighting the importance of sanitation, the Chief Minister said the Municipal Corporation must act proactively and decisively to ensure proper waste collection and disposal, particularly in crowded areas. He said cleanliness plays a vital role in shaping the overall visitor experience and reflects the efficiency of urban governance.

Stating that tourism and local life must progress together, Sukhu said visitors should enjoy a safe, comfortable and well-managed environment, while the daily needs and convenience of city residents must receive equal priority. He added that the government is working to modernise urban services and improve their accessibility.

Referring to recent initiatives, the Chief Minister said the government has launched the second phase of the Citizen Connect Programme under the theme “Clean City, Prosperous City”. The programme aims to address challenges arising from population growth, rapid urbanisation and changing civic requirements, while promoting sustainable urban development.

The Chief Minister also highlighted a key welfare decision for small traders under the Mukhyamantri Laghu Dukandar Kalyan Yojana. Under the scheme, shopkeepers with outstanding bank loans of up to ₹1 lakh, whose accounts have been classified as non-performing assets, will be eligible for a one-time settlement assistance of up to ₹1 lakh. Those with loans between ₹1 lakh and ₹2 lakh will also receive financial support of up to ₹1 lakh.

He said the government has taken significant steps to digitise urban services through the Citizen Service Portal. In the first phase, nine online services were introduced, with over 2.5 lakh citizens registered. In the second phase, nine additional services have been added to enhance transparency, efficiency and public engagement.

The Chief Minister further said that under the Digital Door Plate system, every urban household is being assigned a unique digital identity, a move aimed at improving planning, accountability and service delivery in cities.

Sukhu directed officials to ensure strict implementation of all measures, stating that effective civic management is essential to sustaining tourism growth while improving the quality of urban life.