Announces riverfront project of Rs. 250-crore for Manali  

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the Manali Winter Carnival-2026 at Manali in district Kullu today.

Marking the occasion, the Chief Minister flagged off nearly 300 colourful tableaux highlighting development activities of various departments. 

During the event, the Chief Minister announced the development of a riverfront project in Manali at a cost of Rs. 250 crore to promote tourism. He also announced the construction of five additional rooms in the new building of the Circuit House, Manali; installation of protective walls at seven identified locations for flood protection in the Manali area; construction of a parking facility in Old Manali at a cost of Rs. 2 crore and financial assistance of Rs. 25 lakh each for villages Solang and Karal to prevent landslides.

The Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh attracts tourists from across the country and abroad due to its natural beauty, cultural diversity, historical heritage and tradition of warm hospitality. Every year, crores of tourists visit the state. He added that the state government was continuously encouraging grand events like the Winter Carnival at major tourist destinations to make visitor's experiences memorable.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that tourism is a key pillar of the state’s economy. The government aims to establish Himachal Pradesh as a global hub for nature, religious, adventure, spiritual and wellness tourism. In this direction, ‘Green Himachal Biodiversity Park's and riverside parks are being developed in both urban and rural areas.

He said that a new eco-tourism policy has been implemented in the state. Under this policy, 11 eco-tourism sites have been allotted by November 2025 and the allotment process for 27 more sites was in its final stage. 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 mobile application was being developed for the convenience of tourists. Ropeway projects were also being fast-tracked from an environmental conservation perspective.

The Chief Minister said that rules have been amended to promote home stay tourism and an interest subsidy scheme has been launched for home stay units. For setting up new home stays or expanding and upgrading existing ones, interest subsidy was being provided on investments of up to Rs. 5 crore, 3 percent in urban areas, 4 percent in rural areas and 5 percent in tribal areas. An online portal for home stay registration has also been launched.

To further promote tourism, priority was being given to the construction of heliports to connect all district headquarters with year-round air connectivity. A total of 16 new heliports were planned. In the first phase, nine heliports were 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 of Kangra Airport was also progressing.

He said that Kangra district was being developed as the tourism capital of Himachal Pradesh. A world-class zoological park was under construction at Bankhandi in Dehra sub-division at an estimated cost of Rs. 619 crore. Additionally, the state’s first skywalk bridge would be built at Hassan Valley in Kufri, Shimla district.

The Chief Minister said that the government was also exploring the potential of horticulture tourism. Large orchards and clusters of orchards were being developed as part of rural tourism. He said that Himachal has immense potential for adventure tourism, and concrete efforts were being made to develop the state as an emerging adventure tourism destination.

He further said that luxury and adventure tourism activities have been introduced in the state’s 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 would be expanded to other reservoirs in the future. To promote border tourism, tourism activities have been started at Shipki-La in Kinnaur district and infrastructure was being developed in other border areas as well.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government was ensuring that tourism development remains environmentally sustainable, as the state’s natural beauty and resources were its most valuable heritage.

MLA Bhuvneshwar Gaur thanked the Chief Minister for allocating crores of rupees for development works and flood control in the Manali region. He said that development projects worth Rs. 500 crore have been undertaken in Manali town alone.

Deputy Commissioner Torul S. Ravish welcomed the Chief Minister and detailed about the activities being organized during the winter carnival festival.

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 were present on the occasion.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated the NSUI District Mandi’s ‘Drug-Free Campus’ campaign from Shimla. The main aim of the campaign is to make young people aware of the harmful effects of drugs especially chitta in school and college campuses and to encourage them to take part in education, sports and other positive activities.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister said that NSUI Mandi’s ‘Drug-Free Campus’ campaign strengthens the state government’s vision of a drug-free Himachal  and gives further momentum to the government’s ongoing drive against drug abuse, including chitta. He appreciated the initiative and said that such campaigns were extremely important to keep the youth away from drugs.

NSUI District Mandi President Anit Jaswal said that the campaign was inspired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s anti-chitta campaign and aims to make school and college campuses free from drugs. He said that the campaign would include awareness programmes, anti-drug pledges, anti-chitta walkathons and sports tournaments. The campaign would run from 23 January to 15 February, with programmes first being organised at the school level and later at the college level.

MLAs Sanjay Awasthi and Rakesh Kalia were also present on the occasion.

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Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated and laid foundation for eight projects totaling around Rs. 63.56 crore during his tour of Manali Assembly Constituency.

The Chief Minister inaugurated up-gradation works of Nathna-Jana road under PMGSY completed at a cost of Rs. 10.69 crore, up-gradation works of Manali-Kanyal road at a cost of Rs. 5.04 crore and metalling and tarring works of the Bebli-Jindaud road at a cost of Rs. 13.19 crore.

He laid foundations of 33/11 KV GIC Power sub-station Ibex chowk Manali to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 13.52 crore, a bridge on Beas river at Rangdi with Rs. 15 crore, landslide control prevention works for Rangdi and Batahar on the left bank of Beas river to cost Rs. 2.90 crore, hot water bath service at Kalath to cost Rupees One crore and District Panchayat Resource Centre, Bashing, Kullu, to cost Rs. 2.22 crore.

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Initiative to ensure sustainable livelihoods for border villagers : CM

A tripartite MOU was signed here today in the presence of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu between the Indian Army, Government of Himachal Pradesh and Shree Baidyanath Ayurved, Jhansi, aiming to promote large scale cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants in selected border and remote villages of the State.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the collaborative framework will play a vital role in reviving and promoting traditional ayurvedic practices and generating sustainable rural livelihoods at the same time.

The agreement was signed by Col. T.S.K Singh on behalf of Indian Army, Director Ayush, Rohit Jamwal on behalf of State Government and Shailesh Sharma from Shree Baidyanath Ayurved, Jhansi.

As per MoU, Ayush Department will provide technical knowhow and impart training on various aspects of cultivation of medicinal plant. The Company will ensure assured procurement at fixed prices and will also supply high quality seeds or saplings of the selected medicinal plants. The Indian Army will carry out training and technical sessions for the farmers.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, Secretary Ayush Priyanka Basu, Lt. General D.G. Mishra, Brigadier Anurag Pandey besides senior officers of State Government and Indian Army were present on the occasion.

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Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla emphasized the importance of providing quality education, particularly in rural areas of the state, and said that educational institutions should be judged not merely by infrastructure but by the quality of education imparted and the manner in which students’ talents are nurtured.

The Governor was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the undergraduate programmes at Sarvepalli Dr. Radhakrishnan College of Education, Nogli, in Rampur subdivision of Shimla district, today.

He said that teachers and teacher training play a crucial role in shaping students, as true education instills the spirit of a teacher within learners. He stressed that training should be aligned with Indian ethos and values. “A good teacher bears the responsibility of shaping good students. In the present times, the concept of ‘guru’ has been replaced by that of a ‘teacher’, but in Indian tradition, the guru has always been revered as a guide and torchbearer of society,” he remarked.

Citing examples from Indian tradition, the Governor said that Lord Ram and Lord Krishna also followed the guru-shishya tradition and adhered to the teachings of their gurus. “The guru is always a guide for society, and when one follows the guru with faith and sincerity, success naturally follows,” he added.

He said that Dr. Radhakrishnan believed teachers were not just subject experts but architects of character, and urged the college to function in accordance with his ideals. The Governor added that the launch of undergraduate courses would open new avenues for students of the region, enabling them to access higher education locally and move towards self-reliance.

Referring to the National Education Policy, the Governor said that the new policy provides an opportunity to reconnect with India’s great thinkers and leaders, while imparting values, ethics among students. He underlined that to protect Himachal Pradesh, it was imperative to eliminate the menace of drug abuse from society.

Earlier, Chairman and Managing Director of the institution, Dr. Mukesh Sharma, welcomed and honoured the Governor and apprised him of the institution’s activities. He also provided details about the newly introduced courses-B.A., B.Sc. and B.Com. and informed that free education facilities were being extended to students from economically weaker sections.

Principal Dr. Seema Bhardwaj also welcomed the Governor.

On the occasion, students of the college presented cultural programmes.

The Governor also released the book “Assessment for Learning”, authored by Dr. Mukesh Kumar and Dr. Seema Bhardwaj, and honoured outstanding individuals from various institutions, social sectors and meritorious students.

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The State Cabinet, in its meeting held here today under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, decided to establish a state-of-the-art Cancer Care Centre at Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur. The Cabinet also approved the creation of 11 new departments in Cancer Care Centre and the creation and filling up of requisite posts of various categories.

The Cabinet decided to amend Social Security (Pension and Allowance) Rule, 2010 to ensure time-bound disbursal of social security pension to the beneficiaries. 

The Cabinet also gave its approval to adopt the National Policy on Geothermal Energy to facilitate the exploration and development of untapped geothermal energy resources in the State. It approved the Directorate of Energy as the Nodal Agency for the implementation of this policy and sanctioned amendments to the Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy, 2021 to incorporate guidelines related to geothermal energy.

The State Cabinet gave its approval to promulgate an Ordinance to levy ‘Orphan and Widow Cess’ on petrol and high-speed diesel at the point of first sale in the State, with the objective of strengthening welfare schemes for orphans and widows. The cess will be non-burdensome to consumers, while ensuring the availability of adequate financial resources for the effective implementation of these welfare schemes.

The Cabinet approved allotment of  four hydro electric projects upto 25 MW viz. 6 MW Khauli-II, 24 MW Malana-III, 21.9 MW Manalsu and 18 MW Dhancho Hydro Electric projects, to the successful bidders after completion of the tendering process.

The Cabinet decided to construct a 4.3-kilometre-long Naddi Zipline Project near Dharamsala in Kangra district at an estimated cost of Rs. 7.41 crore. Upon completion, it will be Asia’s longest zipline and is expected to emerge as a major attraction for tourists visiting the area.

The Cabinet gave its nod to amend the Senior Resident Doctor Policy by providing 66.66 per cent quota for in-service GDOs/MOs and 33.33 per cent seats for direct candidates. It further decided that the distribution of seats shall be interchangeable in case of non-availability of eligible candidates in their respective categories.

The Cabinet approved filling up of 11 posts of Assistant Commissioner, State Taxes and Excise. 

The Cabinet decided to fill up 11 posts  of different categories as Job Trainees in the Residential Institute for Mentally Challenged Children, Hiranagar in Shimla district.

It gave its nod to create and fill up 11 posts of different categories in Disaster Management Cell of Revenue Department. 

It okayed the filling of 6 posts of Tehsildar in the department of Revenue. 

Further, it was also decided to re-engage retired revenue officers on fixed remuneration for the early disposal of the pending cases in the revenue department.  

The Cabinet decided to fill up four posts of Junior Engineer (Horticulture) as Job Trainee in the Public Works Department. 

It also decided to create and fill up four posts of various categories for Volleyball Sports Hostel at Bhareri in district Hamirpur. 

The Cabinet decided to amend the provisions of the policy relating to the post of Assistant Staff Nurse. Under the revised provisions, the age limit for the post has been changed to 18 years to 45 years, along with a five-year age relaxation for candidates belonging to SC/ST and other eligible categories. Earlier, the prescribed age limit was 21 years to 32 years.

The Cabinet permitted to construct 8 additional blocks in the campus of AIIMS Hospital Bilaspur to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure. 

The Cabinet decided to extend the Himachal Pradesh Industrial Investment Policy, 2019 upto 31st March, 2026 to promote sustainable industrial development, employment opportunities, enhancing ease of doing business and attracting investment in the State. 

It decided to in-principle take over the Institute for Children with Special Abilities, Dhalli, district Shimla. 

It gave its approval for the Standard Operating Procedure-cum-guidelines for the recruitment of Crèche workers and crèche helpers in the State.

The Cabinet decided to establish four new laboratories for nutritional profiling and strengthening of food testing eco system one each in districts Kangra, Mandi, Shimla and Solan (Baddi) and upgradation of composite testing laboratory at Kandaghat in Solan district alongwith creation and filling up requisite posts.

It also allowed the Alliance Air Aviation Ltd. to operate 46 seater aircraft for seven day in a week on Delhi-Shimla-Delhi and Shimla-Dharamshala-Shimla routes. 

The Cabinet gave its nod to construct a new Ice skating rink in Shimla. 

To regulate the functioning of Revenue Officers as well as appointment, duties, emoluments and punishment of Village Officers, the Cabinet gave its approval to Himachal Land Revenue Rules, 2025.  

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