Government of Himachal Pradesh has launched a new Scheme called ‘Nai Raahein Nai Manzilien’ with a budget allocation of Rs 50 crore for identification of unexplored and untapped tourist places in the countryside for diversification of tourism, especially to rural areas.

This was stated by the Chief Minister, Jai Ram Thakur while presiding over the Review Meeting of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department on Monday.

He said that the state tourism Department has prepared nine circuits in the state for developing under the new scheme Nai Raahein  Nai Manzilien. He said that these circuits are Jogindernagar- Barot-Kothi Kohar-Rajgungja-Bir- Billing, Sundernagar-Chail Chowk-Kamru Nag-Shikari Devi-Janjheli, Shimla-Khara Pathar-Rohru-Sandasu-Larot-Chanshal-Dodra Kwar, Dhauladhar Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Bhakra-Bilaspur-Sundernagar-Jogindernagar-Pong Dam, Solan-Habban-Rajgarh-Shillai, Manali-Rohtan-Tandi-Udaipur-Killar and Narkanda-Baghi-Khadrala-Chini (Kalpa)- Pangi Circuit.

The CM said that after identification of three circuits amongst these, a committee of Tourism, PWD, Forests, Language, Art and Culture officers will visit the selected circuits and propose the activities to be undertaken after consulting the local panchayats and stakeholders.

The CM said that tourism infrastructure development works such as parks, rain shelters, toilets, street paths, walking trails, beautification of temples, landscaping, sarais, community halls, trekkers hostel, roads widening wherever possible and feasible, Signages and traffic directions, parkings, lighting, dustbins, solid waste system improvement etc. would be developed in these circuits.

He said that one particular destination in each circuit would be developed as an ideal and unique tourist destination for attracting the tourists.

He said Home Stays through private parties, development of Nature Walks, Eco Trails, Treks and Hikes and organise Trip to Orchards etc. would be encouraged in a big way.

He said that this would also generate employment opportunities by way of promotion of local cuisines, Folk artist, Local Artisans, Tour Guides, Eco-Guides, Adventure Guides etc.