The growing problem of tourist nuisance in the region has once again come into focus after the Sissu panchayat in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul region announced a complete shutdown of tourist activities from January 20.The decision follows repeated complaints of unruly behaviour by visitors, including loud music, dancing seminude, public drinking, indecent acts, and disregard for local customs, which authorities say have disrupted daily life in the small mountain community.Sissu, a picturesque village located near the Atal Tunnel, has seen a massive surge in tourist footfall in recent years due to improved road connectivity and social media-driven travel trends. While tourism has boosted local incomes, village leaders argue that unregulated and irresponsible tourism has crossed a tipping point. Panchayat members cited noise pollution, littering, traffic congestion, and lack of civic sense as key reasons for the temporary ban.Some tourists treat Himalayan valleys like their personal playground.Shirtless poses on top of cars, turning peaceful Sissu parking into a circus → exactly why locals are fed up.Result:– Sissu panchayat shuts tourism completely from 20 Jan to 28 Feb to safeguard their… pic.twitter.com/DdWRCAPEdJ— Fauzii (@fauzdar15) January 12, 2026The issue gained nationwide attention after videos went viral on social media showing groups of shirtless, intoxicated men dancing and shouting in snow-covered areas of Himachal Pradesh. The visuals sparked public outrage, with many questioning whether such behaviour is appropriate or necessary in ecologically fragile and culturally sensitive mountain regions. The videos also revived controversial demands on social media calling for restrictions on certain groups of tourists, including slogans like “Ban Haryana bachelors from hill stations,” though authorities have not supported such region-specific targeting.Not a state problem, It is audience hunting behavior—whether here or, at weddings in UP or, driving a thar at wrong side with loud music—it stops being joy and becomes content. Many men are taught- “Be dominant, fearless, visible.” But not taught: “Be grounded, responsible,…— Shivendra pratap singh (@rsvpsysteme) January 18, 2026Local residents say that many visitors treat hill stations as picnic or party zones rather than living communities.“This is not an amusement park. People live here, work here, and follow traditions” said Ishita Sharma from Kullu’s Gandhi Nagar, adding that: “Snow-clad mountains are not spaces for stunts or exhibitionism, pointing out the safety risks of hypothermia and accidents, as well as the disrespect shown to local norms”.Sudha Thakur from Manali, who once ran a hut in Rangari, said the problem stems from cheap travel packages, lack of tourist education, weak enforcement of rules, and the pressure of social media trends encouraging risky or attention-seeking behaviour. Environmentalists also warn that such tourism accelerates ecological damage through waste generation and strain on limited resources.The Sissu panchayat’s decision is being seen as a strong message that local communities will no longer tolerate nuisance tourism.Officials have called for better regulation, tourist sensitisation programmes, and stricter penalties for violations.