Haldwani, Dec. 21 -- The Nainital district administration and police have stepped up preparations for the Christmas and New Year celebrations in Nainital and surrounding hill areas, with an emphasis on tourist convenience, transparency and security, officials said. With thousands of tourists expected during the year-end holidays, festive arrangements have gathered pace. The Nainital Hotel and Restaurant Association (NHRA) will set up special entertainment points at various locations along Mall Road. These will feature traditional music systems and bonfires, allowing tourists to enjoy the festive ambience. Mall Road will also be illuminated with decorative lights. NHRA president Digvijay Singh Bisht said tourists' attraction points are being finalised and will be ready by Christmas. "Apart from this, Mall Road will be illuminated with decorative lights," he said. He added that the association's proposal to organise a Winter Carnival from December 23 has been approved. "The three-day carnival will include live performances, dance shows and cultural programmes. Such events attract large numbers of tourists and act as a lifeline for Nainital's tourism economy," Bisht said. District tourism officer Atul Bhandari said the Winter Carnival will begin on December 23 and discussions are underway to finalise singers, bands and other performing artists. Meanwhile, Nainital additional district magistrate Vivek Roy said all hotels and guesthouses in the district have been directed to prominently display room tariff lists on their premises as well as on their official websites. "The move aims to curb complaints related to arbitrary and fluctuating room rates during the peak tourist season," he said. According to the tourism department, more than 50% of hotels in Nainital do not have complete tariff details available online, which often leads to room rates being changed multiple times in a day. "We frequently receive complaints that room prices vary from morning to evening. To ensure transparency and protect tourists from unfair practices, displaying tariffs has been made mandatory. Strict action will be taken against establishments that fail to comply," an official said. Police have also intensified preparations for the year-end festivities. Tourist police will be deployed across Nainital to assist visitors and ensure their safety. Kumaon inspector general of police Riddhim Agarwal said special traffic and security arrangements will be put in place from Christmas to New Year, particularly in Nainital and Kainchi Dham, to prevent traffic congestion. "Adequate police force will be deployed. Personnel will be briefed about routes, parking areas and local geography. Police will be stationed at major intersections," he said....