Environmental protection is essential alongside tourism development : Harsh Mahajan

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Shri Harsh Mahajan, while raising the issue of immense potential and challenges associated with the tourism sector of Himachal Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha, said that Himachal Pradesh is one of the most important tourist destinations of India and it is the main basis of the economy of the state and livelihood of millions of people.

He said that last year, Himachal Pradesh received approximately 18 million domestic tourists and nearly 80,000 foreign tourists, reflecting the state’s popularity and tourism potential. The tourism sector contributes significantly to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) and provides employment to millions of people.

Member of Parliament Harsh Mahajan stated that Himachal Pradesh has been ranked among India’s most welcoming regions for the past three years and has also been ranked among the top 10 regions in the world in the Booking.com Travelers Review Awards. He added that the state also has immense potential for religious tourism. Shaktipeeths like Jwalaji, Chintpurni, Naina Devi, and Chamunda, as well as the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra and the Lakshmi Temple in Chamba, are of great importance to pilgrims.

He said that Dharamshala, where His Holiness the Dalai Lama resides, and the ancient Buddhist monasteries of Lahaul-Spiti and Ladakh region make Himachal a hub of Buddhist tourism globally.

Harsh Mahajan also said that Himachal Pradesh has a world-class reputation for adventure tourism. Activities such as paragliding in Bir-Billing, trekking in Spiti and Kinnaur, and skiing in the Solang Valley are particularly attractive to tourists.

Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Government of India on this occasion, he said that initiatives taken by the Central Government such as Swadesh Darshan, PRASAD Scheme and strengthening of connectivity have given new impetus to the tourism sector. He said that the development of new tourist routes and tracks announced in the Union Budget will further benefit Himachal Pradesh.

MP Harsh Mahajan also warned that the ecology of the Himalayan region is extremely sensitive and the incidents of cloudbursts, landslides and natural disasters in recent years indicate that it is extremely important to maintain a balance between development and environment.

He said that it is necessary to find solutions to issues like unplanned construction, waste management problems, parking and traffic jams from a scientific perspective, so that tourism can be promoted while protecting the environment.

MP Mahajan also appealed to tourists, saying that the Himalayas are not just a tourist destination but a sensitive natural heritage. Therefore, tourists should avoid plastic pollution, forest damage, and littering, and respect the local culture, environment, and communities.

He urged the Central Government to promote responsible and sustainable tourism model along with environmental protection and infrastructure development, so that this Devbhoomi of Himachal Pradesh remains safe and prosperous for the coming generations.