Administration developing Khabi Dhar infrastructure to attract tourists

Extensive steps are being made to develop Khabi Dhar — an unexplored tourist destination in Chamba district — as a prominent tourist spot, Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal said on Tuesday.

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He was presiding over a review meeting with officers of various departments regarding the development of basic facilities in the Khabi Dhar valley.

Reviewing the progress of work since the previous meeting that was held last month, Repaswal instructed officials to accelerate the ongoing work on basic infrastructure to enhance Khabi Dhar’s potential as a tourist destination.

The deputy commissioner directed the district tourism officer to issue tourist guide licenses to 8-10 interested youth from the area. He also issued direction for the construction of eco-friendly rain shelters at scenic spots in Khabi Dhar to improve facilities for visitors.

Additionally, Repaswal instructed the tourism officer to install dustbins at identified locations, set up information boards about Khabi Dhar at popular tourist spots like Khajjiar and Dalhousie.

The tourism officer has also been told to conduct awareness camps to educate the youth about tourism and tell local residents about developing homestays as an option to generate income.

He urged the Jal Shakti Department to complete the necessary formalities to ensure adequate and regular water supply across the Khabi Dhar tourist area. He said the Public Works Department has completed the survey of a 3-km jeep road from Karadpehi to Duaru, connecting Khabi Dhar by road, and the remaining formalities will be completed soon.

The deputy commissioner and other officers also discussed the construction of trekking routes, the installation of gates on both sides of the hill and other aspects of tourism development in the area.

During the meeting, members of the Khabi Dhar Tourism Development Organisation informed the DC about illegal constructions in the area.

Repaswal directed the department concerned to inspect the site. He also urged the Khabi Dhar Tourism Development Organisation president Rajinder Thakur to extend support for maintaining cleanliness in the entire Khabi Dhar area.

In 1999, Bollywood filmmaker Subhash Ghai had showcased the beauty of the Khabi Dhar region in his blockbuster movie ‘Taal’. The film captured the stunning landscapes of the region, attracting travellers from across the country. However, the place soon fell out of favour with visitors as the lack of facilities hampered tourist visits to the area.