Development eludes Pangi, Churah valleys

Balkrishan Prashar

Chamba, July 8

Tourism in Chamba district is concentrated in and around Dalhousie whereas many areas, especially Pangi and Churah valleys, with scenic beauty, vast cultural diversity and unique heritage in terms of tradition, cuisine and art and craft have remained devoid of development.

For the past many years, the Sach Pass (14,500 feet), the gateway to the Pangi valley, which remains open for tourists for about 4-5 months, has received tourists in droves. It remains cut off from the rest of the state due to snowfall during the winter season.

“When one looks across the Pangi and Churah valleys, one is really attracted by the hills, trees, rivers and hamlets”, says Vikram, a tourist from Karnal (Haryana).

The road from Bairagarh to Killar remains in poor shape due to the damage caused by rains and snow every year. Moreover, hotels are insufficient which disappoints tourists.

In order to encourage tourists to the valley, the Department of Tourism is planning to promote rural tourism in these areas. The home stay scheme, notified by the Himachal Government in 2008, is being popularised to create additional accommodation facilities for tourists, an official reveals.

He says a cluster will be identified in which 15 to 20 rooms will be created for the home stay facility. Old wooden houses, constructed in the traditional hill architect which are suitable for stay, will be given preference.

Activities like adventure sports, sightseeing, trekking and camping can also be added. Rural tourism can be an additional attraction.

In the wake of tourists diverting to the Pangi valley, Deputy Speaker Hans Raj, who represents the Churah constituency, has pleaded for a master plan to promote tourism in Pangi and Churah valleys.