Rs 25-crore tourism push for Garli-Paragpur, Kaleshwar temple, says Sukhu

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu informed the Vidhan Sabha that the state government has proposed development works worth Rs 25 crore for Garli-Paragpur and the Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, with a clear focus on strengthening tourism in Kangra district. He said the projects would be executed under a comprehensive strategy aimed at improving visitor experience while safeguarding the region’s historical identity.

Sukhusaid Paragpur was declared a heritage village in December 1997, followed by Garli in 2002. An earlier proposal for their development had been sent to the Centre, under which Rs 52 lakh had been spent by 2006 on conservation initiatives. He added that several heritage structures in the area remain under private ownership.

Reiterating that Kangra has been designated the tourism capital of Himachal Pradesh, the CM said the development of Garli-Paragpur is now a priority for the state government.

Earlier, Jaswan-Paragpur BJP MLA Bikram Thakur raised a call attention motion urging the government to upgrade tourism infrastructure in the two heritage villages. Highlighting their architectural, cultural and religious importance, he sought the creation of heritage homes, better connectivity on the Dharamsala-Una road, installation of streetlights and construction of parking spaces & public toilets.