Himachal govt. intends to invest ₹3,000 crore in tourism; Chief Minister woos industry

With the Himachal Pradesh government stepping up efforts to promote green industries suited to its unique geographical and environmental conditions, the State government plans to invest ₹3,000 crore in the tourism sector.

Assuring that the State government would provide all possible support and necessary facilities to industries, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged industry leaders to invest in the State’s tourism, food processing and information technology sectors.

He was speaking in Shimla, presiding over the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Himachal Pradesh annual conference themed “Building a Future-Ready Himachal Pradesh for a Better Tomorrow: Harnessing Local Strengths for Global Competitiveness” on March 19.

The Chief Minister said the government was actively encouraging investment in tourism and hospitality. “The government plans to invest ₹3,000 crore in tourism in the coming times,” he added.

‘Heliports, heli-taxi services’

“Heliports are being constructed at district headquarters and prominent tourist places of the State and added that heli-taxi services have already been introduced, with plans under way to expand this facility. Additionally, the expansion of Kangra airport is in progress,” he said.

Mr. Sukhu assured that harassment of industrialists would not be tolerated and their grievances could be brought directly to his notice. He said a ‘Bulk Drug Park’ is being developed at Haroli in Una district, where several incentives are being offered to investors.

Emphasising improvements in the single-window system, he said that all clearances for industries should be provided at one place and the Industries department should actively facilitate investors.

‘Lungs of north India’

The Chief Minister described Himachal Pradesh as the “lungs of north India” and a “water bowl”, asserting that the hill State had long been denied its rightful share. He said the financial assistance under Article 275(1) of the Constitution, previously extended to the State as Revenue Deficit Grants, had been discontinued and that his government was actively fighting for its restoration.