Ensure all trekkers have GPS: Himachal Chief Secretary

Himacal Pradesh chief secretary Dr Shrikant Baldi on Wednesday reviewed the progress of important tourism projects of Himachal Pradesh and directed officials to complete them within stipulated time period as they are of top priority of the state government.

He said the government has sanctioned works worth Rs. 18.18cr for development of Janjehli area and Rs. 4.6cr are sanctioned for Pong area under ‘Nai Raahein Nai Manzilein’ scheme. He informed that Rs 3.72cr have been released for development of water sports in Larji reservoir. The project works of Rs 6.59cr were sanctioned for development of Pong area.

“A detail project report (DPR) of Rs 100cr for spiritual tourism circuit is being prepared by Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. The DPR will be prepared as per requirement of ministry of tourism, government of India. The authorities of Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti districts have been directed to provide land for development of tourist facility at Rohtang tunnel and Sissu,” he said.

He directed the authorities to make it mandatory to register the trekkers going for various treks under Miscellaneous Adventure Activity Rule. He directed that the authorized agencies will have to provide a GPS band to monitor the trekkers to ensure their safety. He also reviewed the progress work of various ropeways and directed the concerned authorities to speed up the pace of work. He also reviewed the progress work of Bantony Castle, Shimla.