Tourists in many parts of India often misuse their vehicles for their enjoyment and end up breaking laws. One such recent incident in Himachal Pradesh has gained attention and has brought focus to the dangers associated with this kind of behaviour. A video of a tourist, eager to bypass traffic, driving his Mahindra Thar SUV through the Chandra River has gone viral on the internet.
The video shared on social media platforms begins by showing a Mahindra Thar SUV driving through a flowing river. The SUV can be seen navigating its way through the waters and by the end of the attempts to move towards the shore. While it is being filmed from a distance, a few people close to the car can be seen staring at it as it gets on the ground and moves towards the shore.
#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: Challan issued after a video of driving a Thar in Chandra River of Lahaul and Spiti went viral on social media.
SP Mayank Chaudhry said, "Recently, a video went viral in which a Thar is crossing the river Chandra in District Lahaul Spiti. The said… pic.twitter.com/V0a4J1sgxv
— ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2023
Based on reports, the incident occurred in Lahaul Spiti. The vehicle in the incident has been challaned for breaking the law under the Motor Vehicles Act, The incident occurred as the owner of the Mahindra Thar planned on skipping the traffic on the Lahaul-Manali route. The route has been busy recently because of an influx of tourists in the area during the holiday season.
In the last three days, about 55,000 cars have passed through the Atal tunnel in Rohtang, which connects Kullu, Lahaul, and Spiti, according to reports. Multiple videos showing queues of cars on the road have gone viral on social media. It is anticipated that more than one lakh automobiles will arrive in Shimla this week to celebrate the New Year.
Approximately 60,000 cars are still parked along the city’s roadsides, as per the information shared in multiple reports. During the week, on average, 12,000 cars enter Shimla. Whereas on weekends, during the busiest travel season, this number rises to around 26,000 vehicles.