Himachal govt seeks private investment for tourism

Shimla, Sep 10 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh government has developed an action plan for improving infrastructure and providing easy access to remote areas to increase private sector investment.

The state government plans to infuse more funds into the tourism sector to make it a 'destination for all seasons and all reasons' for the tourists.

The State Tourism Department in Shimla, Kangra and Sirmour districts would spend Rs 21 crores on improvement of existing tourist places, parking space and beautification. Besides, Rs 7.50 crore would be spent on developing the Buddhist circuit to cover Lahaul via Manali and Kinnaur and Spiti via Shimla.

Existing airports at Jubbarhatti, Bhunter and Gagal are being upgraded for landing of larger capacity aircrafts and the Pathankot airport is set to be opened for civilians.

A proposal to the Centre has been sent for setting up an international airport near Sundernagar in Mandi district.

Efforts are on to develop infrastructure in lesser known areas like Kinnaur, Lahaul, Spiti and Chamba to promote eco and health tourism, religious tourism, adventure, wild life, culture and village tourism.

Projects worth Rs 16 crore have been sanctioned for Bilaspur, Mandi and Chamba districts. The government has also approved a ropeway at Solang near Manali and at Jakhoo in Shimla.

The government has earmarked Rs five crores in order to give a facelift to Heritage sites like the Chail palace and Gaggar castle.

The government has also sanctioned Rs 30 crore for expansion of the existing airports and construction of four helipads in Chamba district to attract domestic and foreign tourists.

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