Khabi Dhar to be developed as tourist spot

In an effort to explore the untapped tourism potential of Khabi Dhar, a team of officials, including Block Development Officer (BDO) Ramnabir Singh Chauhan and District Tourism Development Officer (DTDO) Rajeev Mishra, visited the area today. The group, along with other officials, undertook a two-hour trek to reach Khabi Dhar, a site with significant tourism prospects.

During their visit, the officials inspected several spots in the region, including Badi Jammuhaar, Drabari, Duwaru, Dugigoth, Dalotu, Khabbi, Chardi, and Naguni, discussing plans for developing these areas as tourist destinations.

Rajeev Mishra said Chamba Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repswal had already visited Khabi Dhar in June. During a meeting held last month under his chairmanship, directions were issued to assess the tourism potential of the area.

Mishra said that Khabi Dhar has immense potential for paragliding, cycling rallies, adventure tourism, and more, which could be developed in the future. A tourism development proposal for this scenic location will be prepared and submitted to the government. He encouraged local youth to apply for tourist guide licences and urged them to organise awareness camps on tourism in their villages.

BDO Ramnabir Singh Chauhan highlighted the need to maintain water sources, repair walking paths, renovate the Badi Jammuhaar Nag Temple and construct a gate at its complex. He emphasised that these initiatives could boost tourist influx at the location.

During the visit, the officials also planted a deodar tree under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” programme to promote environmental conservation.

Members of the Khabi Dhar Tourism Development Organisation accompanied the officials and familiarised them with several scenic spots in the region. Rajinder Thakur, president of the organisation, said Khabi Dhar attracts a large number of tourists from both India and abroad each year, but the lack of basic amenities poses challenges for visitors. He added that if the state government and district administration take steps to develop the region as a tourist destination, it could attract more visitors in the future, providing employment opportunities for the local community.

The picturesque valleys of the region, with snow-capped mountains and dense cedar forests, have many scenic spots and temples, including Jammu Nag Temple, Kasse Wali Mata Temple, Raja Ka Bagh, Khabi Dhar, Jammuhaar and Bendhal Khas.