10 years after heritage tag, no push to eco-tourism at Himalayan Park

Abhinav Vashisht

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Kullu, March 2

The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) in Kullu has been successful in conserving the flora and fauna of the eco-fragile region, but getting a UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) tag has so far contributed a little to the growth of eco-tourism here. The GHNP became the 32nd listed heritage site of India and marked its presence in the 197 listed natural sites throughout the world on June 23, 2014. Residents said the government had failed to harness the potential of eco-tourism in the region.

Sunil, a resident, said the state government had talked about promoting tourism here after getting the WHS tag, but so far nothing seems to be happening in this direction. He said good foreign income could be generated by promoting tourism, which could also provide employment to the people at their doorstep. He added that the government should do adequate promotion of the region and improve the infrastructure here.

Another resident Sanjay said eco-friendly camps should be organised at various scenic spots in the region. He said basic amenities should be developed in the park for the visitors. He added, “Over nine years have passed since the park got the WHS status, but tourism or other development activities have remained more or less the same here.”

Although there has been no dearth of announcements by politicians to develop tourist places and the Forest Department has also made many plans, but these are not being implemented on the ground, said another resident, Ramesh. “Due to the presence of many trekking routes and tourist places in the valley, the youth here are seeing their future in the tourism business and the government should take appropriate steps to develop eco-friendly regulated tourism,” he added.

Residents Dalip, Pawan and Sumit said the Bhatkanda ground on the high hilltop could attract tourists. They said if the government developed this ground, it could boost tourism in the valley. The valley, full of natural beauty, needed to be developed from the tourism point of view, they said. They added that there were many religious places in the area which could become important spots for religious tourism.

The grand temple of Manu Maharaj in Shanshar, the ancient Dhaliara Kothi in Raila and the temple of Durga Mata in Dehuri could become significant tourist spots if promoted adequately by the state government.