5 ecotourism sites to be developed under PPP mode in Kullu

Even though Himachal Pradesh did not get even single ecotourism project from the Union Ministry of Tourism from among the recently approved 40 projects, worth Rs 3,295.76 crore, for the development of lesser-known tourism sites in 23 states, the state Forest Department will develop five ecotourism sites under the PPP mode in Kullu.

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The Eco Tourism Society has earmarked Kaisdhar, Kasol, Bindravani, Solang Nala and Suma Ropa to be developed as ecotourism sites by private companies. One hectare of land will be provided to the selected companies which they will operate for 10 years.

The state government is promoting ecotourism so that untouched tourist places are developed without disturbing nature. There will be no tampering with the natural beauty of the sites and tourists can also witness the breathtaking scenery here. This will create new employment opportunities while conserving the forest wealth.

Kullu Conservator of Forests Sandeep Sharma said the firms concerned would have to develop all these sites on their own. He added, “The company working under the PPP mode will have to prepare the infrastructure on the site by adhering to the rules and norms. They will also have to take care not to harm the forest and biodiversity.”

Earlier, the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment had closed the operation of 11 ecotourism sites in the state for damaging the forest wealth and running these without the provisions of the Forest Conservation Act (FCA).

Every year, lakhs of tourists visit Kullu-Manali to see snow and escape from the scorching heat of the plains in summer. The number of tourists is increasing continuously here and with the increase in tourism activities in lesser-known areas, the economic condition of these places will also be strengthened.

Tourism beneficiaries of the region said it was a good initiative of the state government to develop ecotourism sites under the PPP mode as the Central government had not shortlisted even one ecotourism project for Himachal Pradesh. A tourism analyst Budhi Prakash Thakur said 18 states had got over Rs 100 crore each, with five states getting over Rs 190 crore each for development of ecotourism projects, but it was disheartening that the state was completely ignored by the Union ministry, while the tourism industry was the backbone of the economy here.

A tourism beneficiary Rahul alleged that while the government was boasting emphasising community-based tourism that empowers local populations and preserves cultural heritage, the state had been completely neglected by the Central government. He said, “There are many big eco-tourism projects proposed in the state and government investment in these will act as a catalyst, stimulating economic growth and creating jobs.”

The Kullu-Manali Paryatan Vikas Mandal president Anup Ram Thakur said the government should promote ropeways and develop pristine inaccessible destinations near Manali like Manjnu Kot, Chanderkhani, Baragarh Fort, Rani Sui Lake, Inder Kila and Pandu Ropa. He added that the Kullu-Manali tourism industry generates huge revenues for the government, which should invest further to boost the economy of the region as well as the country.