Tourism is an integral part of any state’s economy. We all love to travel, to see monuments, stand in awe of their magnificence, and grandeur and essentially be one with a time that has passed centuries ago. Himachal Pradesh government, acknowledging the profound impact that tourism has on the state’s economy and the jobs it generates, has launched the Nai Raahein Nai Manzilein scheme to diversify tourism.
About the Nai Raahein Nai Manzilein scheme
Through the implementation of the scheme, the state government of Himachal Pradesh will identify unexplored and untapped tourist destinations in the state. This scheme will eventually promote tourism in these tourist places located across the countryside, especially the rural areas of the state.
In order to seamlessly implement the said scheme, the state government has earmarked a budget of ₹50 crores. There have been proposals passed for ropeway / ski-lift, restaurants, camping site and wayside amenities were proposed under the project.
In the Bir Billing area in Kangra district and the Janjehli in Mandi district, the scheme installed provisions for paragliding and eco-tourism destinations respectively. The Pong reservoir was being developed as a water sports destination to increase the influx of visitors from all around the country, and beyond.
Implementation of the Nai Raahein Nai Manzilein scheme in Circuits
For better efficiency, the scheme would be implemented in 9 circuits. The names of the circuits are given herewith:
- Jogindernagar-Barot-Kothi Kohar-Rajgungja-Bir-Billing
- Sundernagar-Chail Chowk-Kamru Nag-Shikari Devi-Janjheli
- Shimla-Khara Pathar-Rohru-Sandasu-Larot-Chanshal-Dodra Kwar
- Dhauladhar Circuit
- Buddhist circuit
- Bhakra-Bilaspur-Sundernagar-Jogindernagar-Pong Dam
- Solan-Habban-Rajgarh-Shillai
- Manali-Rohtan-Tandi-Udaipur-Killar
- Narkanda-Baghi-Khadrala-Chini-Pangi circuit
An integrated committee of Tourism, PWD, Forest, language, Art and Culture officers will visit these selected circuits.
This committee will propose activities that need to be carried out in these circuits after consulting the local panchayats and several other stakeholders involved.
Key activities are undertaken under the implementation of the project
Here are some of the key undertakings of the project:
- Parks
- Toilets
- Rain shelters
- Street paths
- Solid waste improvement
- Walking trails
- Beautification of temples
- Landscaping
- Sarais
- Community halls
- Trekkers hostel
- Roads widening
- Signals and traffic directions
- Parking
- Lighting and waste disposal like installation of dustbins at regular intervals
The state will also encourage Home Stays through private parties, Nature walks, eco-trails, treks, hikes, trips to Orchards etc.
The installation of such tourism-friendly projects will invite tourists from all across the nation and will also work towards the generation of employment opportunities by promoting local cuisines, folk artists, local artisans, tour guides, eco-guides and adventure guides among several other professions.
Summing it up
Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful place to visit and happens to be a must-visit across travel lists of people in the country. By installing these tourist-friendly spots, the government is making tourism all the more accessible for the people to wish to revel in the beauties of the “All Seasons’ state”. There is a lot that Himachal as a state has to offer to tourists. Through the implementation of the scheme, tourism will now be all the more celebrated in the state and a lot of people will now get to earn a lot more by being associated with it.
