Himachal Pradesh Government has launched 'Nai Raahein Nai Manzilein' initiative in a bid to promote tourism in unexplored areas in the hill state by developing infrastructure, road connectivity, accommodation besides creating basic amenities in these places.
Bir-Billing in Kangra district, Janjehli in Mandi and Chanshal in Shimla would be developed and promoted under this endeavour, said an official spokesman.
A budgetary allocation of Rs 50 crore has been made in this fiscal for the purpose. Parks, walking trails, trekkers' hostels, toilets, wide roads, landscaping, improved solid waste management and lighting would be developed at such tourism circuits.
The objective of this scheme is diversification of tourism especially to rural areas and development of infrastructure at new places, promotion of rural tourism, employment and livelihood opportunities and thereafter promotion and marketing of new places, the spokesman said.
He said that under this initiative, temporary tents, promoting adventure tourism, jungle tracking paths around Janjehli, Thunag, Shikari Devi, Puda Kedar, Tungari Top etc. would be constructed for promoting tourism activities in Janjehli. 40 new trekking routes would also be developed in Janjehli circuit to facilitate tourists.
12 forest Rest houses would also be upgraded for the comfortable stay of the tourists. The total amount of R. 16.70 crore would be spent on developing the areas as attraction for tourists. In addition, Tourist Culture Centre has also been awarded under Asian Development Bank funding of Rs 25.17 crores, he said.
Bir Billing in Kangra district would also be developed as tourist destination under this scheme by spending Rs. 14.62 crore. Under the "Swadesh Darshan" scheme of Union Government, a paragliding institute was being set up at Bir Billing with an estimated cost of Rs 8.07 crores.
Similarly, Chanshal area in Shimla district has also been included under the scheme and a provision of Rs 15.12 crore has been made. The area has immense potential for adventure sports, skiing and camping, the spokesman said.
The State Government is encouraging Home Stays through private sector. Nature-walks, Eco-trails, treks, trips to orchards and other attractions would be promoted in these circuits, he said.
He further said that the State Government is committed to set up maximum number of ropeways in Himachal to facilitate the tourists and local people. The government has decided to provide several concessions to those entrepreneurs, who are interested to invest in ropeways projects and this includes waiving off annual license free for the first 7 years. MOU has been signed with Punjab Government for construction of Shri Naina Devi ropeway. Construction has been also expedited on Dharamshala-Mecleodganj ropeway coming up at a cost of Rs 15 crores, the spokesman said.