Himachal Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Wednesday directed that all the ongoing tourism projects should be completed in stipulated time period and special focus must be laid on those projects which are nearing completion.
The Chief Minister was presiding over a meeting of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Board here,
He directed the officers for expediting the work on all the major ropeways viz Dharamshala-Mcleodgang, Palchan-Rohtang, Aadi Himani-Chamunda, Sri Anandpur Sahib-Shri Nainadevi etc.
He also directed the officers to effectively pursue FCA cases so that work on various tourism projects could be taken up soon.
While reviewing various projects, Thakur said that work must also be expedited on north and south portal alongside Atal Tunnel Rohtang, as the tunnel has emerged as the major tourist attraction.
He asked the officers to explore possibilities of setting up a memorial in memory of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Prini village.
The Chief Minister also directed the officers to ensure time bound completion of all the major heliports coming up in the state so as to facilitate the tourists.
He said that the state is blessed with immense tourism potential and the focus of the government is to provide best tourism infrastructure to the tourists visiting Himachal.
He also said that the Culture Centre at Janjehalli in Mandi district is almost completed by spending an amount of Rs 25.17 crore which would be an added attraction for the tourists visiting the Janjehalli valley. The Centre would have an open air theatre, three new cottages, conventional hall, cafeteria and 12 modern rooms.
Kangra Haat is being constructed at Kangra by spending an amount of Rs 17 crore. The beautification of Dal Lake and Art and Craft project at Bhalai Mata temple at Chamba would not only help in showcasing the rich cultural tradition of the state, but would also be a major attraction for the tourists, he said.
The Chief Minister said that the beautification of Dal Lake would be completed by September with a cost of Rs 4 crore.
Apart from this, Convention Centre at Kyarighat is coming up at a cost of Rs 29.90 crore and would be completed by September this year. Art and Craft village is being developed on 44 bigha land near Kandaghat village for which FCA approval is underway. This would prove an attractive destination for the tourists as both these projects are on the major national highway between Kalka-Shimla, he added.
During the meeting, Thakur directed the officers to ensure that Shiv Dham phase-1 in Mandi district must be completed in stipulated time period. He said that the approach road from Mandi to Shiv Dham should be widened keeping in view the future demand to cater the heavy flow of traffic.
He further said that efforts must also be made for effective fusion of landscape and avoid over construction of concrete structures.
The Chief Minister said that work on renovation of Bantony Castle would be completed by September this year by incurring an expenditure of Rs 25.45 crore.
It was informed that the government is taking up an ambitious project under PPP mode for developing Chanshal in Shimla district as a new tourist destination, especially for adventure sports lovers. Various components under this project include setting up of ropeway, ski-lift, ski-resort, helipad, camping and ski-slopes.
