HP seeks Centre’s help to start water transport in state

SHIMLA: The Himachal Pradesh government has sent a proposal to the government of India for starting water transport and other activities in Chamera, Kol Dam, Larji and Gobindsagar lakes. This will not only promote water transport and water sports in the state but also create employment opportunities for the local youth.
With tourist footfall increasing in the state, the government is making efforts to develop newer destinations.The scenic valley of Janjehli and Kamru Nag Lake in Mandi district, Chail and Kasauli in Solan district and Churdhar Peak and Sri Renuka ji in Sirmaur are among the other beautiful destinations in the state, which are being developed on priority.
To attract high-end tourists, international airport is being established at Nagchala in Mandi district which would help in attracting more tourists to the state.
A senior official of the tourism department said that Himachal Pradesh has emerged as one of the favourite destinations for domestic and overseas tourists in the past few years and keeping this in view, the state government is making efforts to provide best facilities and add more attractions to facilitate tourists at the famous destinations.
He said that keeping in view the immense eco-tourism potential of the state, the government has taken initiative to encourage this sector as well for which a master plan would be prepared in consultation with experts wherein provisions for encouraging private investors would be incorporated.
He said that emphasis has been laid on developing prominent places like Shimla, Kullu-Manali, Dharamshala, Janjehli, Kasauli and Dalhousie, which are full of natural wonders and most visited by the tourists.
He said that apart from regular air services between Delhi, Shimla, Kullu and Dharamshala, now helicopter service under UDAN scheme from Chandigarh to Shimla and further from Shimla to Kullu and Dharamshala has now been made operational and bookings can be done online.
He said that the government is also encouraging homestay units in the state, as it not only promotes tourism but also provides respectable employment opportunities to the people.
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur had last year said that efforts would be made to develop lesser known areas of the state from tourism point of view. He had said that the Centre has approved Rs 1,800 crore project for tourism development in the state.