‘Vyavastha Parivartan’ Driving Historic Tourism Transformation in Himachal: CM Sukhu.
Shimla:
Himachal Pradesh is witnessing a historic transformation in tourism under the Congress government’s vision of Vyavastha Parivartan, where conservation, livelihoods, and economic growth are being integrated—an approach the Chief Minister says was neglected during previous regimes. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted these developments today, emphasizing that responsible governance is turning the State’s water resources into thriving tourism hubs.
The Chief Minister pointed to Pong Dam Lake, also known as a Ramsar Wetland, which is being developed as one of India’s premier bird-watching destinations, particularly between November and February. “Ecology and tourism can grow together when guided by responsible governance,” he said. New attractions such as shikara rides and floating bird-watching decks are planned to enhance eco-tourism, providing visitors and ornithologists a rare opportunity to witness thousands of migratory birds arriving from Siberia and Mongolia.
“The Pong Dam Lake Bird Sanctuary at Nagrota Surian now offers guided bird-watching experiences, while the Regional Water Sports Centre at Khatiyar provides boating, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, rowing, and water skiing facilities,” he added.
Highlighting the shift from neglect to proactive development, CM Sukhu noted that lakes such as Gobind Sagar in Bilaspur and Tattapani near Shimla, which remained largely ignored under previous governments, are now vibrant tourism hubs. Visitors are enjoying shikara rides, speed boats, houseboats, jet skis, and water scooters, making water tourism a new engine of economic growth for the State.
Bilaspur, in particular, is emerging as a national hub for water-based adventure tourism, supported by festivals, structured facilities, and employment-generation schemes that ensure local communities are direct beneficiaries. “Tourism is not merely recreation—it is about livelihoods, dignity of labour, and inclusive economic growth,” the Chief Minister emphasized.
The Chief Minister said this transformation was unimaginable a few years ago and has been made possible through decisive governance, progressive policy reforms, and the Congress government’s commitment to Vyavastha Parivartan, marking a stark departure from previous ad-hoc approaches.
Beyond water tourism, Himachal is now expanding eco-tourism under the Eco-Tourism Policy, with plans to open 77 new eco-tourism sites across forest circles, projected to generate nearly Rs. 200 crore over the next five years. CM Sukhu said these initiatives aim to position Himachal as a global model for responsible and sustainable tourism, where nature is protected, communities are empowered, and benefits are shared equitably.
To encourage youth and promote entrepreneurship, the Chief Minister highlighted the Chief Minister Tourism Start-Up Scheme, which provides interest subvention and subsidies for homestays, hotels, and food vans. “This scheme is creating stakeholders, not spectators, in the tourism economy and reflects our employment-oriented, reform-driven, and people-centric governance,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, CM Sukhu said, “These initiatives embody the true spirit of Vyavastha Parivartan, where natural resources are not just admired, but responsibly utilized as engines of growth, employment, and empowerment for the people of Himachal Pradesh.”
