Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh today inaugurated the Interpretation centre-cum-wayside amenity of state tourism department at Narkanda in district shimla today. Constructed with an outlay of Rs 1.90 crore in the complex of Hatu hostel of the tourism department, the centre houses a multipurpose hall with sitting capacity of around 500 persons. It has five double bed rooms and one multi cuisine restaurant. There is also a provision of construction of eight new rooms and one dormitory for which funds were available.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Virbhadra Singh said the state government was promoting tourism in a big way which was one of the sources of economy for the people. Apart from this, the home stay scheme was adding to the economy of the people, he said. As Narkanda was a famous tourist destination both in summers and in winters, there was a need for such a centre with all basic amenities for the visitors, he said adding that pilgrims also visit this place in numbers who go to the famous Hatu temple to pay obeisance.
The Chief Minister laid foundation stone of the Ski-Lift to be installed at Dhomri Ski slopes at Narkanda to cost Rs 1.59 crore. This will facilitate the Ski lovers and will give added boost to adventure activities on Narkanda ski slopes. The private parties were also conducting Ski courses during winters and with the facility the adventure sports will get fillip, said the Chief Minister.
Shri Dinesh Malhotra Managing Director, HPTDC said that the corporation was running hotels and restaurants at various places besides providing quality transport facilities to the tourists. He said that Himachal Pradesh was known as ‘a destination for all Reasons and for all seasons’ adding that the department had laid special emphasis on development of activity based tourism and opening of new sub destinations to promote tourism related activities on the country side and to unexplored areas.
Irrigation and Public Health Minister Smt. Vidya Stokes, Vice-Chairman, HPTDC Shri Harish Janartha, Vice-Chairman, HIMUDA, Shri Yashwant Chajta, Members BoD, HPTDC, Shri Rupesh Kanwal and Shri Amarjit Singh and local Panchayat pradhans were also present on the occasion amongst others.
