As many as 72 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) worth Rs. 8071 crore have been signed with various prospective entrepreneurs under tourism sector by the state government against the target of Rs. 10,000 crore which have also been uploaded on ‘Himpragati’ website. This was stated by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while presiding over a review meeting of tourism department, here today.
The Chief Minister said that a new tourism policy was being framed and was in the final stage. The focus of new the policy would be on exploring virgin destinations in the state besides adopting holistic approach to cope with the overcrowded tourists destinations like Shimla and Manali etc. He said that new adventure sports rules, 2019 were being framed to promote and regulate adventurous tourism whereas the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Sustainable Development Plan would be ready by the October this year which would ensure planned and systematic tourism development in the state.
Jai Ram Thakur said that the government was developing Janjehli area in Mandi district from eco tourism point of view. A noted player in tourism sector Club Mahindra was setting up a tourist resort in Janjehli. He said that the government was also contemplating to construct ropeway from Janjehli to Raigarh and thereafter up to Shikari Mata. A conventional/ recreational centre would also be constructed at Janjehli to attract more and more tourists in the area, he added.
The Chief Minister said that Bir Billing in Kangra district would be developed as destination of para-gliding and adventure sports which would not only bring this area on world tourism map but would also provide gainful employment to the youth of the area. He said that Rs. 8.70 crore Para Gliding Training Institute was coming up at Bir Billing to facilitate the adventure sports lovers. He said that National and International para-gliding events would be held in Bir Billing.
He said that Pong Dam in Kangra district was being developed under ‘Nai Rahein Nai Manjilein’ scheme as water sports destination. He said that non-polluting vehicles, jetties, shikaras, house boats and floating restaurants would be key attraction of this destination.
Jai Ram Thakur said that Chanshal area of Shimla district was being developed as favoured destination for winter sports and skiing. He said that bid for ski resorts at Chanshal would be floated at the earliest and from making Chanshal a snow sports destination, it would also be developed as a summer resorts as well.
The Chief Minister said that camping sites would be developed at Devidhar and Panjain, Bijahi etc. In addition to this, interpretation centre would be established at Bandal in proposed Baglamukhi Nature Park. He said that cactus garden, ropeway, nature walk and rock climbing facilities would also be developed in the area. He said that log huts would be constructed near Pandoh to ensure that the tourists visiting Kullu-Manali area gets another tourist destination on way from Mandi to Manali.
Chief Secretary Dr. Shrikant Baldi, Principal Secretary, Revenue Onkar Sharma, Director, Tourism Yunus and other senior officers of the State Government were also present on the occasion.
