Call it influx of tourists or the lackadaisical approach of the administration, the tiny hill station of Kufri, tucked 13 kms away from Shimla, is fast losing its charm. An evergrowing number of tourists at about 2,50,000 every year, by official estimates is leaving its mark on the place. And though the officials would like to differ on this, a visit to the place tells a different story. Kufri which has been famous for its verdant environs, trekking and hiking trails and quaint picnic spots is not only a hot tourist destination in north because of its proximity to Shimla. But it is also known for Himalayan Nature Park, which has a collection of animals and birds found only in Himachal Pradesh as also the Indira Tourist Park that provides panoramic views of the hills around.
A visit to the area, however, gives shocking glimpses of garbage and muck that is scattered all over the area. As one enters Kufri, one encounters hoards of men piling on tourists to hire horses. Go a few meters and one can find remains of tourist visits all over, stems of eaten bhuttas, plastic bags (to be noted: plastic bags are banned in Himachal) and packets of other eatables. It is surprising since as per officials cleanliness contractors are paid Rs 24000 per month to clean and maintain the entire area.
A breather however is that vehicular traffic has been streamlined to a great extent in the area as Special Area Development Authority (SADA) has already commissioned two parking lots. It is further likely to ease as a third mule cum parking lot with investment of Rs 30 lakh is under construction. This apart from a proposal to make a tunnel at Kufri, where horses would ferry along the base of the tunnel, leaving the road free for cars and other vehicles.
The project costing Rs 28 lakh has been sent for approval of the tourism department, informed Rajinder Chauhan, Member Secretary, SADA-Kufri to FE. SADA has also started a drive to register all the horses in the area under which about 350 animals have already been registered and no new ones are being allowed. Apart from this a pedestrian path is also under construction and plans are also to make a separate track for horses. However, as of now much needs to be done and the place is crying for attention.