Will take up abolition of inner line posts to promote tourism-CM
Himachal Pradesh will soon take up the issue of commencing Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Shipki-La in Kinnaur district with the Union Government. This was stated by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu while presiding over a meeting with General Officer Commanding in Chief, Central Command, Lucknow and Lt. General Anindya Sengupta here today. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has religious significance for Hindus, Jain, Buddhists and every year thousands of pilgrims visit Kailash Mansarovar, a tradition rooted in centuries of spiritual heritage. He said that pilgrims can make entry into Tibet through Shipki-La, as it offers viable route for them.
He said that State Government would also urge the Central Government to establish Himachal Scouts Battalion on the analogy of Sikkim, Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh with a special quota for local persons from the bordering areas of the State. He said that this was a long pending demand of the people of the border areas.
The Chief Minister also sought cooperation and collaboration with the Indian Army and other para military forces for promoting tourism upto the Line of Actual Control (LAC) the Sino-Indian border. He said that the State Government would also urge the Central Government for abolition of inner-line check posts of various military and para military forces, that currently pose permit related hurdles for the tourists. He also urged to simplify travel related procedures to improve visitor's experience.
Sh. Sukhu also asked the Army to set up an airstrip at Rangrik in Spiti valley facilitating landing of large aircrafts in order to promote tourism in the area. He also asked to conduct survey for constructing heliports in Sangla, Neesang, Thangi etc. He said that these measures would go a long way in promoting tourism in these areas vis-à-vis strengthening the economy of the local people. He said that tourism was the priority sector for the State Government and co-ordination with the Army was essential to promote this sector in the bordering areas as well. He also urged the Army to explore the possibilities of establishing Military School in the area. He said that State Government would establish milk processing plant in the border areas.
The Chief Minister said that roads must be maintained by the Ministry of Defence as it was the lifeline of the State. These roads include Kiato-Takling La-Nurbo Sumdo, Wangtoo-Kafnu-Mud-Atargoo, Leo-Chango, Giu-Pang, Khana dumti-Nithal Thach, Harsil, Jeori-Wangtoo on right bank to Shipki-La.
Expressing strong support, the Indian Army assured cooperation in these initiatives and also evinced keen interest to converge in water supply, power and sports sectors with the State Government to provide better facilities for the people residing in border areas.
Lt. General Anindya Sengupta said that the Indian Army would construct an all weather Ice Skating Rink and an Indoor Stadium at Kaza. Additionally, it will also organize eye health check up camp in Kaza including facilities for procedures.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Principal Advisor Media to Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, Director Tourism Vivek Bhatia, Director Information and Public Relations Rajiv Kumar, Lt. General D.G. Mishra, Brig. R.S. Chandel, Brig. Anurag Pandey and other senior officers attended the meeting.
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