Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, while presiding over meeting to review progress under the ‘Nai Raahein Nai Manzilien’ Scheme of the State Government here today, said that delay in completion of various projects being executed under the scheme would be viewed seriously and action would be taken against the erring officers responsible for the delay.
Chief Minister said that ‘Nai Raahein Nai Manzilien’ Scheme was announced in the very first budget of present State Government which was aimed to develop lesser known tourist places in the State from tourism point of view. He said that the officers of various departments must work with better coordination so that work on different projects under the scheme could be completed at the earliest.
Jai Ram Thakur said that the Government had released over Rs. 18 crore for upgradation of trekking routes, resting places, view points and installation of tents besides maintenance and upgradation of forest rest houses under Janjehli Eco Tourism Project. He said that efforts must be made to ensure completion of this project by December next year. He said that Larji Dam was also being developed as water sports activities centre by spending over Rs. 3.3 crore. He said that this would not only provide best wayside amenities to the tourists but also prove a best spot for adventure lovers.
Chief Minister said that Rs. 6.6 crore has been sanctioned for developing Pong Dam as a water sports hub. He said that under this project interpretation centre and eco tourism sites would be constructed at Pong Dam Area besides purchasing speed boats and floating jetties etc. He said that Bir Billing area in Kangra district was also being developed from eco tourism point of view.
Jai Ram Thakur said that an amount of Rs. 5.31 crore have been released till date for developing Chanshal for upgradation of Log huts, restoration of natural water body at Kharashali, developing camping sites and upgradation of forest rest houses. He said that this would ensure that Chanshal area come up as eco tourism and skiing destination in the State. He said this project would be completed by end of August next year.
Director Tourism Yunus welcomed the Chief Minister and conducted the proceedings of meeting.
Chief Secretary Anil Khachi, Additional Chief Secretary R.D. Dhiman, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister J.C. Sharma, Secretary Tourism Devesh Kumar, PCCF Dr Savita Sharma, Secretary Youth Services & Sports S.S. Guleria, ENC PWD Bhawan Sharma, MD HPSEB Ltd. R.K. Sharma, MD HPTDC Kumud Singh and other senior officers also attended the meeting.
