Tourism is the mainstay of Himachal Pradesh’s economy because the state is endowed with diverse tourist attractions and the state government is prioritising strengthening this sector in the state to encourage it in a big way, said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
The Himachal CM said that apart from opening the entire state for all-season tourism activities, the government is putting its biggest thrust on developing Kangra as the ‘Tourism Capital of the State’. He said that Kangra district has immense tourism potential as it has the beautiful Dhauladhar Mountain, a historical temple, and a scope for adventure activities.
The government, with an aim to promote tourism in this district, is working on strengthening infrastructure, for which Rs 390 crores will be spent by the ADB. He said that the government has already devised blueprints for various projects in the Kangra district that will improve the tourists’ experience besides providing them with modern facilities.
The state government has proposed the construction of an international-standard golf course at Heritage Village Pragpur. There is a plan for beautification of the Palampur area besides constructing a high-end resort, a 24-hour tourism village, a modern roller skating rink, and a wellness centre for the tourists coming to visit Kangra, added the Chief Minister, who informed the government through a release.
Furthermore, the state government has identified 180 hectares of land at Bankhandi to build a modern zoo at a cost of Rs 300 crore, for which the DPR is under process. Efforts are under way to promote adventure tourism by introducing houseboats, cruises, yachts, and water sports activities at Pong Dam, said the Chief Minister.