Himachal Govt legalises zipline adventure activities under Eco-Tourism Policy

The state government has legalised zipline adventure activities under the Eco-Tourism Policy. Tourism stakeholders and entrepreneurs, especially in regions like Lahaul-Spiti, welcomed the decision as adventure-based tourism was rapidly emerging as a key economic driver there.

Lahaul-Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana said that the decision marked a major relief for local adventure operators, who had long faced administrative and regulatory hurdles in the absence of a formal legal framework. “Until now, there was no proper mechanism in place to legalise or regulate zipline operations in the state. This created challenges for zipline operators regarding safety approvals and permissions,” she added.

Anuradha said that the lack of legal recognition often made the functioning of zipline operators difficult, creating both administrative uncertainty and safety concerns. “The absence of clear guidelines not only discouraged entrepreneurs but also made it difficult for them to ensure the safety of tourists participating in such activities,” she added.

She took up the issue with the state government and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu took proactive steps to bring zipline activities under the eco-tourism framework. “This decision reflects the commitment of the government to both promoting sustainable adventure tourism and ensuring public safety,” she added.

Anuradha expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and said, “By bringing zipline activities under eco-tourism, the government has opened new avenues for local employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development in the remote and high-altitude areas of the state.”

After the government took this policy decision, several local applicants in Lahaul and Spiti already submitted proposals for operating ziplines legally. The district administration has been instructed to fast-track the processing of all applications so that those fulfilling the required criteria are approved without delay.

The MLA said that many proposals had already been cleared and pending applications meeting safety and environmental standards would be expedited. She added that the local youth would be given full support in establishing and operating such ventures in accordance with eco-tourism norms.

The legalisation of zipline activities is expected to significantly enhance the adventure tourism profile of Himachal Pradesh. With its diverse topography, natural beauty and growing tourist inflow, the state has immense potential for adventure sports such as paragliding, trekking, river rafting and zipline.

“The decision will promote regulated, safe and eco-friendly adventure tourism while ensuring that local communities benefit economically,” the MLA said.

The initiative aligns with the Himachal Government’s broader vision of developing the state as a sustainable tourism hub, blending adventure, nature and community-based experiences.