A recent video from the high-altitude Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh has ignited a fierce online debate about tourist behaviour and public safety in ecologically sensitive regions. The footage, which went viral on social media, shows a group of tourists acting recklessly during extreme winter conditions, leading to police action and widespread condemnation.
Irresponsible Acts Amidst Heavy Snow
The now-controversial clip captures five to six young men dancing on a snow-covered road surrounded by mountains. Despite the freezing temperatures and heavy snow, the group was seen playing loud music from their parked car. Shockingly, some individuals were holding liquor bottles and hookahs, and at least two were shirtless, completely disregarding the harsh cold weather.
Social Media Backlash and Broader Concerns
The video was widely shared on platform X (formerly Twitter) by user Nikhil Saini, who criticised the act for tarnishing India's tourism image. The post sparked immediate and strong reactions from netizens.
One user pointed out the need for government intervention, stating that such behaviour scares away genuine tourists who contribute to the local economy respectfully. Another comment highlighted the complete lack of civic sense, warning that such incidents could lead to stricter travel permits in the future. A third user connected the dots, suggesting that disrespectful conduct is a reason why some foreign tourists prefer southern India over the northern regions.
Police Action and a Pattern of Misconduct
This incident is not an isolated one. Lahaul-Spiti Superintendent of Police Shivani Mehla confirmed that the video came to her notice on Thursday. Her team identified the individuals involved and levied fines for their irresponsible actions.
This event is part of a worrying trend during the holiday season in Himachal Pradesh. Similar disturbances have been reported from other areas:
- Tourists were fined in the Thalot area of Mandi district for creating a nuisance.
- In the Gramphoo area of Lahaul-Spiti itself, another group of tourists allegedly fled upon seeing police personnel.
The repeated incidents have raised serious questions about the enforcement of local laws, the safety of both tourists and residents in challenging terrains, and the growing friction between visitors and local communities. The episode underscores an urgent need for better awareness, stricter enforcement of rules, and a collective effort to promote responsible tourism in India's fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
