A budget proposal worth 500 Cr sent to Center Govt for Eco-tourism in Lahaul & Spiti
Endowed with pristine murmuring rivers, scenic alpine lakes, and rich Buddhist culture, the cold desert of the Lahaul & Spiti district in Himachal has immense potential for religious and eco-tourism. The Himachal Pradesh Government has now decided to fully harness the immense tourism potential of this landlocked hinterland.
A budget proposal worth Rs. 500 crore has been sent to the Centre Government for approval. This will go a long way in promotion of eco-tourism in this tribal district. In addition to this the project will help in creating the necessary infrastructure for the tourists in lesser known destinations in the district. Apart from this, Rs 22 crore tourism project is under progress at Dalang village, which will also play a crucial role in attracting tourists, said Chief Minister, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
Realizing the enough tourism potential across the mighty Rohtang paas, also known as the Gateway to Lahaul Spiti the foundation stone of Atal Tunnel, Rohtang, was laid by Sonia Gandhi, the then Chairperson of the National Advisory Council in June 2010 and was thrown open to traffic in October, 2020.
The tourism industry in the valley has flourished considerably with the opening of the Atal Tunnel which is also important from strategic point of view on the Manali-Leh highway. It has emerged as a popular destination among domestic and foreign tourists, besides shortening the distance to the headquarters of the tribal district, Keylong.
Ram Lal a farmer said that with the opening of Atal tunnel there has been a remarkable change in his life. Earlier, the farmers had to compromise due to harsh weather for timely marketing of their produce. Many times during winter, due to the blockade of Rohtang Pass, their produce could not be marketed. But as of now, due to opening of Atal tunnel the scenario has completely changed enabling them to market their produce throughout the year at profitable amount.
Even the tourists, who come here, make a good purchase of the local products catering desired profit to the local of their produce.
The twin valleys of Lahaul and Spiti are heaven for nature lovers, adventurers, photographers and backpackers. With being home to some of the most breathtaking sceneries of the high Himalayan landscape, remote villages, gleaming alpine lakes, sacred monasteries and temples, exotic cultures, rich wildlife and sumptuous cuisines, Lahaul and Spiti offer a number of places to see and things to do despite being a remote destination in Himachal Pradesh.
The State government is keen on developing this tribal district as a preferred tourist destination in Himachal and efforts are afoot in this direction. Adventure activities such as trekking expeditions, river rafting, biking and skiing are being organized for the recreation of the tourists, said he.
