Himachal Government to start Craft and Tourism Mela for promoting traditional crafts

/ HP-1 / Jul 08 2020/5 years ago

Shimla: Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said that the State Government has decided to start Craft and Tourism Mela in the State on the pattern of Surajkund International Fair to promote traditional crafts of Himachal Pradesh. He directed the officers to expedite the matter regarding transfer of land near Kandaghat in Solan district, so that it could be constructed at earliest to organize this fair. While presiding over the review meeting of Tourism Department here today CM directed the officers to ensure time bound completion of various tourism projects, to make Himachal Pradesh a favourite destination for the tourists.

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Chief Minister said that under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, a convention centre was coming up at Kiarighat in Solan district with a cost of Rs. 25 crore. He said that the work would be completed by the end of December this year. He said that work was in progress regarding construction of heliport at Shimla which would be completed by September, 2020. He said that work of village Haat at Kangra, free standing artificial climbing wall at Manali, art and craft centre at Bhalei Mata temple Chamba were also under progress.

Jai Ram Thakur directed the officers to ensure time bound completion of paragliding centre at Bir in Kangra district. He said that the light and sound show being started in Shimla would be completed by March next year which would prove added attractions to the tourists. He said that signage’s, gantries, CCTV and WIFI system were also being provided throughout this Himalayan Circuit under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

Jai Ram Thakur said that the State Government has initiated a new programme Nai Raahein Nai Manzilein to identify, develop unexplored and untapped tourist places in the State. He said that out of total budget allocation of Rs. 50 crore under this programme, over Rs. 18.65 crore have been spent till date. He said that Chanshal area of Shimla district was being developed as a ski destination under this project. He said that a proposal of ropeway/ski lift, restaurant, camping site and wayside amenities were proposed under this project. He said that Bir Billing in Kangra district and Janjehli in Mandi district were being developed under this scheme as paragliding and eco tourism destination respectively. He said that Pong reservoir was being developed as a water sports destination under this project.

While laying emphasis on time bound completion of various ropeway projects in the State, Jai Ram Thakur said that the work on major projects such as Adi Himani-Chamunda, Dharamshala Ropeway, Palchan to Rohtang Ropeway and Sri Anandpur Sahib to Shri Naina Devi Ji Ropeways should be completed in time bound manner. He said that this would not only facilitate the tourists but also avoid price escalation of these projects.Chief Minister said that matter regarding construction of food craft institute at Sundernagar and upgradation of food craft Institute Dharamshala to Institute of Hotel Management should be taken with the Union Government for their early approval.