SHIMLA: Giving credence to his dream of prompting ‘Kangra as the tourism capital of Himachal Pradesh’, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu listed an international standard golf course at Heritage Village Pragpur and modern zoo and other projects.
Not only this, plan is afoot to beautify Palampur area. A high-end tourism village resort, a modern rollerskating rink and a wellness center are other projects in the pipeline for tourists visiting Kangra, he said.
Furthermore, the State Government has identified 180 hectares Land at Bankhandi to build a modern zoo at a cost of Rs. 300 crore for which the DPR is under process.
Efforts are underway to promote adventure tourism by introducing houseboats, cruises, yachts and water sports activities at Pong Dam, said Chief Minister.
The Government with an aim to promote the tourism in this district is working on to strengthening infrastructure for which, Rs. 390 crore will be spent by the ADB, he added.
He further added that under Nai Manzilen Nai Rahein scheme, works worth Rs. 20.59 crore are being carried out in district Kangra, while Rs. 46 lakh has been released for the renovation of the historical temple.
The Government has also made efforts for the construction of the Chamunda ropeway from Adi Himani Temple.
Additionally, Rs. 11.75 Crore has been sanctioned to upgrade Food Craft Institute Dharamshala as the State Institute of Hotel Management, Sukhu said.
He said to attract more tourists to the district, the State government is also planning to extend the runway length of Kangra Airport from 1376 to 3010 meters in two phases.
Also, there is a proposal to construct a heliport at Rakkar, for which the FCA case has been uploaded.
Promoting tourism sector in the State will not only boost the economy of State. but it will also make it a most favourable destination for the tourists, said Chief Minister.
He said tourism is the mainstay of Himachal Pradesh's economy.
He said that Kangra district has immense tourism potential as it has beautiful Dhauladhar Mountain, historical temple and scope for adventure activities.
But the remote question remains: Will these projects translate into the increase in tourist foot falls?
