Shimla, July 26

The Shimla Municipal Corporation has granted one-month's time for registration of paying guests, homestays and Bed and Breakfast (BnBs) accommodations running in an unauthorised manner. According to Municipal Corporation officials, it has come to their notice that there are several persons who are running paying guests illegally in the town. These operators are paying water, garbage collection charges as well as property tax on domestic rates while carrying out commercial activities.

It is estimated that there are around 500 paying guests, BnBs and home stays that are illegally being operated within the jurisdiction of the corporation. At present, there are only 57 paying guests, home stays and BnBs that are registered with the corporation to whom garbage collection and water supply bills are issued at commercial rates.

Municipal Commissioner, Shimla Municipal Corporation Bhupinder Attri said that those who are operating paying guests and home stays illegally will be issued water and garbage collection bills at commercial rates from now on.

"Stern action will be taken against them if they fail to get themselves registered within the given period of time" he said. The matter was raised during the monthly house meeting of the Municipal Corporation by Kanganadhar ward Councillor Ram Rattan who alleged that many people are running illegal paying guests across the town.