Finish formalities for setting up viewing deck in Hasan valley: Agnihotri

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri today directed officials concerned to complete the formalities for setting up a viewing deck in the Hasan valley in Shimla district at a cost of Rs 18 crore.

Agnihotri presided over a meeting to review the progress made on the project for setting up a glass viewing deck in the Hassan valley near Dhalli, on the outskirts of the capital city.

The meeting was told that a detailed project report (DPR) of Rs18 crore was in the final stage of preparation and comprised around a 600 sq m of glass viewing deck, which would be suspended on nine ropes from the hillside and would accommodate around 700 to 800 persons at a time.

It was pointed out at the meeting that the project needed diversion of forestland as it was being set up in the Hasan valley, which is a declared wildlife sanctuary area. Agnihotri directed the officials concerned to complete the DPR of the project within the next 10 days and submit it to the Director (Tourism) for administrative approval, expenditure sanction and allocation of funds. He also directed the authorities concerned to prepare and follow up on forest clearances for the diversion of forestland as the project had the potential of emerging as a major attraction for the people of the state and tourists as well.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh said that this would be an iconic project that would attract more tourists to the state.