Long-term lease of tourism units to outsiders opposed

Local beneficiaries of the tourism industry are concerned over a growing trend of giving long-term property leases to people from other states, which defies the purpose of the HP Land Reforms and Tenancy Act designed to protect the state’s land and people. Many businessmen from other states have taken tourism units on lease in the suburbs of Manali, Parbati valley and Banjar areas.

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Aditya, a tourism entrepreneur of the Banjar valley, says that while tourist hubs like Manali and Kasol have long been impacted, emerging destinations such as the Tirthan valley, Jibhi, Shoja and Bahu are now being overtaken. Locals fear that without the intervention of the government, these pristine areas will soon lose their cultural identity and environmental integrity.

Tourism beneficiary Chandan says that outsiders are increasingly taking properties on lease for extended periods, effectively exploiting the law. He alleges, “Many of these agreements are unregistered and lack proper documentation, thus allowing lessees to conduct commercial activities unchecked.”

Local communities report that the leased properties are often used for tourism business, turning once-quiet areas into profit driven ventures controlled by non-residents. Local resident Jai Chand says that the outsiders are least concerned about the area and they are spoiling the existing rates by providing accommodation at a meager price by compromising quality.

Another tourism beneficiary Kishan alleges that the lessees often avoid taxes and registration fees, leading to significant revenue losses to the state government. He adds, “Himachal residents are finding themselves excluded, as outsiders are taking over prime properties, undermining local opportunities in the tourism sector. The unregulated use of these properties for commercial activities has led to overcrowding and ecological strain, particularly in fragile regions like the Great Himalayan National Park.”

Locals have repeatedly expressed concern but the government has made little effort to address the issue or enforce the intended spirit of Section 118 of the HP Land Reforms and Tenancy Act. Places like the Tirthan valley, Jibhi, Shoja and Bahu, which are known for their natural beauty and charm, are now seeing outsiders taking properties on long-term leases. This trend threatens to replicate commercialisation seen in Manali and Kasol, where locals have been sidelined and the environment has suffered.