Farm agitation casts shadow on tourism in Himachal
Lalit Mohan
Dharamsala, February 23
The farm agitation in Punjab has started impacting tourism in the state. People associated with the tourism industry in Kangra have alleged that the effects are already visible. They say people coming from the National Capital Region (NCR) and other states are apprehensive about their travel plans to Himachal due to blocked roads in Punjab and on the way to Delhi. Hoteliers are apprehensive that in case the agitation drags longer, it could impact their business during the summer season as well.
Sanjeev Gandhi, general secretary, Smart City Hotel and Restaurant Association of Dharamsala, said the impact of the agitation was already visible. Three rooms had been booked by people from Delhi during the test match between India and England at Dharamsala. However, due to the agitation, they have asked me to put the bookings on hold, he said.
Nitin Sharma, another hotelier, said a majority of tourists who visit Dharamsala and Kangra in summer come from the NCR or other states as Gujarat and Maharashtra. However, due to blocked roads during the farm protest at Punjab and Haryana, people are avoiding making visits, he said.
Surinder Sharma, a restaurant owner, said: “The Kangra valley has no rail connectivity and tourists reach here mostly by road. The disrupted road connectivity due to the farm agitation is bad news for business.”
