Feature-Government to develop 77 New Eco-tourism sites across State

• · Eco-Tourism Policy 2024 to generate Rs.200 crore in 5 Years
• · Tourist footfall rises to 181.24 lakh

Shimla, 1^st June, 2025-The Government of Himachal Pradesh has started a big plan to promote eco-tourism in the state. A new eco-tourism policy has been launched to develop 77 eco-tourism sites in different forest circles across the state. This is expected to bring in Rs. 200 crore in revenue in the next five years. The goal is to attract tourists in a way that protects nature, creates local jobs, and helps the economy grow in a clean and sustainable manner. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the government is working to make Himachal a famous eco-tourism destination in the world.

With its snow-covered mountains, thick forests, clean rivers and rich wildlife, Himachal Pradesh has always been a favourite place for nature lovers. Now, the new eco-tourism policy aims to use this natural beauty in a responsible way. Eco-tourism means travelling to natural places without harming the environment. The Eco-Tourism Policy 2024 of Himachal Pradesh has been specially made to support this idea, keeping both tourism and nature safe.

Under this policy, 77 eco-tourism sites are being developed in different parts of the state, including Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur, Rampur, Solan, Nahan, Hamirpur, Nalagarh, Dharamshala, Palampur, Chamba, Dalhousie, Nurpur and Rekong Peo. Out of these, eco-tourism operators have already been selected for seven popular sites: Potter Hill and Shoghi in Shimla, Solang Nallah in Kullu and Kasol in Parvati Valley. The rest of the sites are being developed in phases. Visitors will be able to enjoy eco-friendly activities like trekking, bird watching, forest camping, jungle walks, homestays and nature interpretation trails.

An important part of this eco-tourism push is involving the local people. Eco-tourism committees have been formed in each forest circle to take care of these projects. Local youth are being trained as nature guides and workers. So far, more than 70 guides and 135 Multi-Purpose Workers (MPWs) have been trained by HPECOSOC (Himachal Pradesh Eco-Tourism Society). This is helping people get jobs and also encouraging them to take care of nature.

To make travel and bookings easier for tourists, the government has made eco-tourism services available online. Over 100 forest rest houses and camping sites can now be booked through the HPECOSOC website. A trekking management system has also been introduced. More than 245 trekking routes have been marked and listed based on difficulty levels. A mobile app is also being made to guide tourists better.

The government has made sure that this policy follows the national rules under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and the amended Forest Conservation Act (Van Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan Adhiniyam, 2023). Eco-tourism chapters in the working plans of forest divisions like Shimla, Palampur, Kullu, Seraj and Mandi have already been approved.

These efforts are already showing good results. In 2024, more than 181.24 lakh tourists visited Himachal Pradesh, including 82,000 foreign visitors. This was a rise of 13.24 percent compared to the previous year. Since tourism contributes 7.78 percent to the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), this new policy is expected to further strengthen the state’s economy.

In just two and a half years, the present government has built a strong foundation for eco-tourism. By protecting the environment and supporting the local economy, Himachal Pradesh is setting a great example of how tourism and nature can go hand in hand. This eco-tourism project is a big step towards a greener, cleaner, and more self-reliant future for the state.

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Government enhances fodder grant to curb stray cattle menace

SHIMLA,1^st June, 2025To address the issue of stray cattle and ensure their welfare, the State Government has recently approved the enhancement of monthly fodder grant for Gauvansh (stray cattle) housed in Gausadans across the state from Rs. 700 to Rs. 1,200 per animal. A spokesperson of the State Government stated here today that the decision reflects the government’s commitment to livestock welfare and support for farmers. “The enhanced grant will ensure better care for stray cattle and reduce damage to crops caused by wandering animals,” he said.

The State Government has implemented various steps to ensure cattle welfare across the State. It also offers financial assistance to individuals and societies for establishing and expanding Gausadans (cow shelters). For the setting up of a new Gausadan, the government offers a grant of Rs. 10 lakh or 50 percent of the project estimate, whichever is less. For expansion projects, a grant of Rs. 5 lakh or 50 percent of the cost of the estimate is provided.

To support these initiatives, the government had earlier increased the liquor cess to Rs. 2.50 per bottle, with the additional revenue directed towards cow welfare.

The spokesperson said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the government remains committed to safeguarding livestock and supporting farmers’ interests. He stated that these animals often stray into agricultural fields, causing extensive damage to standing crops and leading to considerable financial losses to the farmers. As a result, many farmers are becoming increasingly disheartened and are losing interest in continuing with farming activities. The government recognizes the urgency of the problem and is taking proactive measures to mitigate its impact and provide much-needed relief to the farming community. The improved fodder support is expected to significantly enhance the conditions in Gausadans and help mitigate the stray cattle problem across the State.

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CM expresses grief over road accident

SHIMLA -1^st June, 2025-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed grief over the tragic road accident occurred today near Kamand in Padhar of district Mandi, in which five persons lost their lives and one other sustained serious injuries.

The Chief Minister said that this is a heart-wrenching incident and the state government stands firmly with the affected families in this hour of grief. He directed the district administrations to provide all possible assistance to the families of deceased and ensure best medical care to the injured.

Shri Sukhu has prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss. He has wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.