Darjeeling reopens for tourists with social distancing, masks and thermal screening

Darjeeling opened its doors for tourists from Wednesday (July 1) while following all social distancing guidelines.

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Darjeeling reopens for tourists with social distancing, masks and thermal screening
Darjeeling Photo: Reuters

Darjeeling has finally opened its gates for tourists. The hills of Darjeeling in West Bengal unlocked for tourism on Wednesday, while following all the directives and measures by the administration.

The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration directed to open sightseeing points in Darjeeling from July 1. Hotels and homestays will also start accommodating guests following the guidelines of the government.

Suraj Sharma, Assistant Director of Tourism, GTA said, "We have decided that all the hotels, homestays and tourist spots of hills will open for travellers from July 1, but we will follow the guidelines of centre and state government. When the tourist moves from Siliguri towards the hills, they will have to pass through thermal screening in 3 to 4 places, and when they reach the hotel, the screening will be done there too."

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"Travellers will have to bring their fitness certificates with them, and we have also requested the hotels that the bookings for families and groups should be avoided. If tourists reserve vehicles to reach the hotels, that will be better," he added.

In Darjeeling, tourism is livelihood for almost everyone. The first tourist season starts from April and ends by the second week of June. But this time, the entire season has been lost in the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, the present season is important because foreign tourists visit during this time. But this year, the chances are dismal.

Sanjay Tamang, a local driver, said 80 per cent population of Darjeeling is dependent on tourists. "Tourists will come, but for that, we have to maintain our discipline. First of all, we have to maintain social distancing, then sanitisers and masks should be on priority. Once the drivers reach their homes, they should remove their clothes and keep them outside separately, and sanitise themselves. Even the hotel staff should follow the same. 80 per cent population of Darjeeling is dependent on tourists."

Around 5 lakh tourists enter hills every year from different parts of the world.

The second season starts from October and continues till November. This season is for state tourists, mostly from Kolkata and nearby.

Rajan Majumdar, Manager of Mayfair Hotel in Darjeeling said, "Some of the inquiries of tourists are coming. It is off-season in the hills. We hope that the second season, which will start from October, will go nice."

Preparations are underway to ensure the safety of travellers on tourist spots in Darjeeling. Around 300 hotels are being sanitised continuously in Darjeeling. The tourists have been instructed to follow social distancing measures. Gloves and masks have been made compulsory, and thermal screening is being done before check-in at the hotels.

Rajendra Prasad Aggarwal owner of hotel Mopal Residence in Darjeeling said, "We have sanitised the entire hotel especially the rooms. We will follow all the guidelines of the government. We have asked tourists to bring the fitness certificates along with them."

Not only the hotel industry, the local markets, small shop owners, and small business owners are also in the hope that this step will help them to earn and overcome the crisis.

(With inputs from Kayesh Ansari.)

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