New Nature Trail Near Shimla Highlights Eco-Tourism Push and Rural Growth
In a step towards promoting eco-tourism and environmental awareness, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday inaugurated the first phase of the Kamiyana Hill Top Nature Trail in Village Poabo, near Shimla. Developed by the Forest Department at a cost of ₹5 crore, the project aims to blend tourism with conservation while offering visitors a unique way to experience the natural beauty of the region.
Spread across nearly 8 hectares, the project features a 2.5-kilometre nature trail designed to help visitors connect with nature while learning about biodiversity and sustainability. The trail has been thoughtfully constructed with a gentle gradient, making it easily accessible for people of all ages—including children and senior citizens.
Perched atop a hill, the trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape. Visitors can enjoy scenic sights of Shali Peak, Mahasu Peak, the Naldehra Horse Trail, Mashobra, Craignano Nature Park, and the Shimla Water Catchment Area. One of the standout attractions is the “Vaman Vriksha Mandal,” a carefully curated bonsai garden that showcases around 40 plants from 15 different species, adding a unique aesthetic and educational element to the experience.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Chief Minister also announced ₹5.20 crore for the construction of 16 roads under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in the Kasumpti Assembly Constituency. He said the government remains committed to working with honesty, transparency, and a focus on public welfare, while also strengthening the rural economy through targeted initiatives.
Highlighting support for farmers, Sukhu shared that the state has significantly increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for naturally grown crops such as wheat, maize, barley, turmeric, and ginger. Wheat prices have been raised from ₹60 to ₹80 per kg, maize from ₹40 to ₹50 per kg, and barley in Pangi Valley from ₹60 to ₹80 per kg. Similarly, raw turmeric MSP has seen a major jump from ₹90 to ₹150 per kg, while naturally grown ginger will now be procured at ₹30 per kg.
He also pointed out improvements in the dairy sector, stating that in the last three years, the support price for cow milk has increased from ₹32 to ₹61 per litre, while buffalo milk rates have gone up from ₹47 to ₹71 per litre—offering much-needed relief and encouragement to livestock farmers.
The Chief Minister also addressed the state’s political landscape, claiming that despite winning fewer Zila Parishad seats, the BJP was spreading misinformation. He highlighted that the Congress performed strongly in the recent Panchayati Raj elections, winning 29 out of 53 urban local bodies, compared to BJP’s 21. He added that Congress-backed candidates also secured significant victories at the panchayat level and reaffirmed that the party’s strength in the विधानसभा has returned to 40 following by-elections.
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh also spoke at the event, emphasizing the government’s focus on development in the Kasumpti area. He shared that 120 roads have been approved under the FRA in nearby panchayats, with 124 already upgraded. He noted that tourism is steadily growing in Himachal Pradesh, and projects like the Kamiyana Trail are expected to create employment and self-employment opportunities for local communities.
Senior officials, including Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr. Sanjay Sood, were also present at the inauguration.
Overall, the Kamiyana Nature Trail is more than just a tourist attraction—it reflects a broader vision of balancing development with environmental conservation, while also creating new opportunities for local livelihoods.
