Himachal Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Saturday said the state government is promoting tourism in a big way with special emphasis on developing basic infrastructure in virgin tourist destinations.

Speaking during a presentation made by CSRD foundation here on a comprehensive plan to develop tourism infrastructure in the state, he said the government would implement each tourism project in a phased manner and the focus would be laid on providing best infrastructural facilities to all age group tourists.

Thakur said the government would develop Chanshal for skiing, Bir-Billing for paragliding, Pong Dam for water sports and Janjehli from eco-tourism point of view on priority basis.

He directed to explore the possibilities to develop Riwalsar in Mandi district which is visited by the tourists in a large number especially Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh pilgrims. He also directed to prepare detailed project report for developing Buddhist circuits in the state.

Thakur said the state government has also planned to develop Shiv Dham in Mandi town as an added attraction to the tourists visiting the area. This is proposed to be developed on Kangnidhar hill top above Mandi town and connected with cable car ropeway facility which would also be a mode of transportation for the locals. Moreover, the banks of the Beas river in the Mandi town would also be developed besides an artificial lake.

He said the project to develop Mandi town as tourist destination would be funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) however, till the government receives funds, the work on this project would be started through state funds in the first phase.

Directors of the CSRD foundation Hitesh Trivedi, Ojas Hirani and Bharat Patel, senior officers of the tourism department were present on the occasion.