The executing agency must give top priority to those tourism projects which were nearing completion so that they could be completed within stipulated time period. This was stated by the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while presiding over the 10th Meeting of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Board here today.
Chief Minister said that Dharamshala to Mcleodganj ropeway would be completed by June 2021 which was being constructed by spending an amount of Rs 150 crore. He said that the State would get an annual fee of Rs. one crore from this project once it starts functioning. He also expressed displeasure over the delay in Adi Himani to Chamunda ji ropeway in Kangra district and Bhuntar to Bijli Mahadev ropeway which was coming up in Kullu district for which concession agreement was signed and survey completed. He said that concession agreement and pre feasibility report have been finalized regarding Sri Anandpur Sahib to Shri Naina Devi Ji ropeway. He said that this project would be completed by spending an amount of Rs. 200 crore.
Jai Ram Thakur said that Light and Sound Show would be completed by March, 2021 and would provide glimpse of culture, tradition, lesser known places of the State at Town Hall The Mall Shimla. He said that this would be added attraction for the tourists visiting the State. He said that Shimla Heliport was coming up at Shimla with a cost of Rs 12.13 crore and would be completed by March next.
Chief Minister said that work on Convention Centre at Kiarighat in Solan district under the Himalayan Circuit of Swadesh Darshan Scheme was nearing completion. He said that this project worth Rs 30 crore would be completed by March next year. He said that work had also been started on development of Maa Hateshwari Temple at Hatkoti in Shimla district which would be completed by December next year.
Jai Ram Thakur said that the Union Government has approved upgradation of Food Craft institute, Dharmashala to Institute of Hotel Management worth Rs 11.75 crore. He said that out of this, first installment of Rs 4.10 crore have been received. He said that detailed project report of Rs 100 crore under integrated Development of Spiritual Circuit under Swadesh Darshan Scheme has been sent to the Government of India for approval.
Chief Minister said that State Government had also decided to organize Craft Mela in the State on pattern of Surajkund Craft Fair for which about 95 bighas of land had been identified on Kalka Shimla National Highway. He directed the officers to ensure speedy clearance of various approvals so that work could be started there.
Secretary Tourism Devesh Kumar assured the Chief Minister that all the tourism projects being implemented in the State would be completed within the stipulated time period.
Director, Tourism Yunus welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries in the meeting and also conducted the proceedings of the meeting.
Chief Secretary Anil Khachi, Additional Chief Secretary Revenue R.D. Dhiman, Additional Chief Secretary Finance Prabodh Saxena, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister J.C. Sharma, Secretary Ayurveda Dr Ajay Sharma, Secretary Finance Dr Akshay Sood, Secretary Sports S. S. Guleria and other senior officers attended the meeting.
