{"id":8751,"date":"2026-01-21T07:00:52","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T07:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=8751"},"modified":"2026-01-21T07:00:52","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T07:00:52","slug":"cm-inaugurates-manali-winter-carnival-2026-announces-rs-250-crore-riverfront-project-to-boost-tourism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=8751","title":{"rendered":"CM Inaugurates Manali Winter Carnival 2026, Announces Rs 250-Crore Riverfront Project to Boost Tourism."},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

CM Inaugurates Manali Winter Carnival 2026, Announces Rs 250-Crore Riverfront Project to Boost Tourism.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h1>\n

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Shimla:<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday inaugurated the Manali Winter Carnival\u20132026 at Manali in Kullu district, marking the beginning of one of Himachal Pradesh\u2019s most celebrated cultural and tourism events. On the occasion, the Chief Minister flagged off nearly 300 vibrant and colourful tableaux showcasing the development initiatives and achievements of various government departments.<\/p>\n

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister announced a major riverfront development project for Manali with an estimated outlay of Rs. 250 crore, aimed at strengthening tourism infrastructure and enhancing the town\u2019s scenic appeal. He also announced the construction of five additional rooms in the new Circuit House building at Manali, installation of protective walls at seven identified locations for flood protection, construction of a parking facility in Old Manali at a cost of Rs. 2 crore, and financial assistance of Rs. 25 lakh each for Solang and Karal villages to mitigate landslide risks.<\/p>\n

The Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh continues to attract tourists from across the country and abroad owing to its natural beauty, cultural diversity, rich historical heritage and tradition of warm hospitality. He noted that crores of tourists visit the state every year and that the government was encouraging grand events like the Winter Carnival at major tourist destinations to make visitors\u2019 experiences memorable.<\/p>\n

Emphasizing the importance of tourism, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the sector is a key pillar of the state\u2019s economy. The government aims to establish Himachal Pradesh as a global hub for nature, religious, adventure, spiritual and wellness tourism. In this direction, \u2018Green Himachal Biodiversity Parks\u2019 and riverside parks are being developed in both urban and rural areas.<\/p>\n

The Chief Minister informed that a new eco-tourism policy has been implemented in the state. Under this policy, 11 eco-tourism sites had been allotted by November 2025, while the allotment process for 27 additional sites was in its final stage. He said this initiative was not only boosting tourism but also promoting self-employment at the local level. To promote trekking, 245 trekking routes have been identified and a dedicated mobile application is being developed for the convenience of tourists. Ropeway projects are also being fast-tracked with a focus on environmental conservation.<\/p>\n

Highlighting initiatives to promote home stay tourism, the Chief Minister said that rules have been amended and an interest subsidy scheme has been launched. Under the scheme, interest subsidy is being provided on investments of up to Rs 5 crore\u20143 percent in urban areas, 4 percent in rural areas and 5 percent in tribal areas\u2014for setting up new home stays or expanding and upgrading existing ones. An online portal for home stay registration has also been launched.<\/p>\n

To further strengthen tourism connectivity, priority is being given to the construction of heliports to ensure year-round air connectivity to all district headquarters. A total of 16 new heliports are planned. In the first phase, nine heliports are being developed at Jaskot (Hamirpur), Rakkar and Palampur (Kangra), Sultanpur (Chamba), Aloo Ground and Manali (Kullu), Shabo (Kinnaur) and Jispa, Sissu and Rangrik (Lahaul-Spiti). The expansion work of Kangra Airport is also progressing.<\/p>\n

The Chief Minister said that Kangra district is being developed as the tourism capital of Himachal Pradesh. A world-class zoological park is under construction at Bankhandi in Dehra sub-division at an estimated cost of Rs. 619 crore. Additionally, the state\u2019s first skywalk bridge will be constructed at Hassan Valley in Kufri, Shimla district.<\/p>\n

He also highlighted the potential of horticulture tourism, stating that large orchards and clusters of orchards are being developed as part of rural tourism. Noting Himachal Pradesh\u2019s immense potential for adventure tourism, he said concrete efforts are underway to develop the state as an emerging adventure tourism destination.<\/p>\n

The Chief Minister further said that luxury and adventure tourism activities have been introduced in the state\u2019s reservoirs. For the first time, facilities such as cruise services, shikara boats, houseboats, jet skis, high-tech motorboats and water scooters have been made available at Govind Sagar Lake. These activities will be expanded to other reservoirs in the future. To promote border tourism, tourism activities have been initiated at Shipki-La in Kinnaur district, with infrastructure development underway in other border areas as well.<\/p>\n

He emphasized that the state government is committed to ensuring environmentally sustainable tourism development, as the state\u2019s natural beauty and ecological resources are its most valuable heritage.<\/p>\n

MLA Bhuvneshwar Gaur thanked the Chief Minister for allocating crores of rupees for development works and flood control measures in the Manali region, stating that projects worth about Rs. 500 crore have been undertaken in Manali town alone.<\/p>\n

Deputy Commissioner Torul S. Ravish welcomed the Chief Minister and briefed the gathering about the various activities being organized during the Winter Carnival.<\/p>\n

Among those present on the occasion were MLA Sunder Singh Thakur, Chairperson of the State Women Commission Vidya Negi, Milk Federation Chairman Buddhi Singh Thakur, State Water Management Chairman Shashi Sharma, APMC Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti Chairman Mian Ram Singh, District Red Cross Coordinator Chandrshekhar Sharma, District Congress Committee President Ses Ram Azad, Congress leader Rajeev Kimta, members of the Zila Parishad Kullu, Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and councillors of the Manali Municipal Council, and Superintendent of Police Madan Lal Kaushik.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

CM Inaugurates Manali Winter Carnival 2026, Announces Rs 250-Crore Riverfront Project to Boost Tourism.\u00a0   Shimla:   Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday inaugurated […]<\/p>\n

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