Himachal to Push for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Shipki-La; CM Urges Centre to Ease Border Tourism.
Shimla:
In a significant move to enhance spiritual tourism and uplift border region infrastructure, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the state will urge the Central Government to allow the commencement of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Shipki-La in Kinnaur district. The announcement came during a high-level meeting with Lt. General Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command, held in Shimla on Saturday.
The Shipki-La Pass, which offers a practical route into Tibet, could become a key access point for thousands of pilgrims who undertake the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra every year. Highlighting its religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and other communities, CM Sukhu emphasized the historical and spiritual value of reviving this ancient route.
Push for Himachal Scouts Battalion and Tourism Boost
The Chief Minister also advocated for the establishment of a Himachal Scouts Battalion—similar to the battalions raised in Sikkim, Ladakh, and Arunachal Pradesh. This battalion, he said, should include special recruitment quotas for local youth from border areas, addressing a long-pending demand of residents.
He further called for greater collaboration between the state and the Indian Army to promote border tourism up to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). A major proposal included the abolition of inner line check-posts, which often act as bureaucratic hurdles for tourists visiting sensitive zones. Simplifying these travel requirements, Sukhu said, would significantly enhance the visitor experience and boost local livelihoods.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Air Connectivity in Focus
To improve connectivity in remote valleys, Sukhu requested the Army’s support for establishing an airstrip at Rangrik in Spiti, capable of accommodating larger aircraft. He also proposed surveys for new heliports in Sangla, Neesang, and Thangi, to improve air accessibility in the region.
He stressed that defence ministry-maintained roads—such as Kiato-Takling La-Nurbo Sumdo, Wangtoo-Kafnu-Mud-Attargoo, Leo-Chango, and others—are the lifelines of the state and must be regularly upgraded and maintained to support development and emergency operations.
Additionally, the Chief Minister suggested the establishment of a Military School in the border area and announced plans for a milk processing plant whose products could be supplied to the Army.
Army Extends Full Cooperation
Expressing strong support, Lt. General Sengupta assured the Indian Army’s full cooperation in these initiatives. He announced that the Army would construct an all-weather ice skating rink and an indoor stadium in Kaza, besides organizing eye health camps for locals, including surgical procedures.
The meeting also saw participation from Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Principal Advisor (Media) Naresh Chauhan, senior bureaucrats including Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, Tourism Director Vivek Bhatia, Information Director Rajiv Kumar, and senior Army officials Lt. General D.G. Mishra, Brig. R.S. Chandel, and Brig. Anurag Pandey.
This strategic collaboration marks a new chapter in enhancing border area development, spiritual tourism, and infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh.
