· Building a self-reliant future through biodiversity and sustainable tourism
The Government of Himachal Pradesh has started a big plan to promote eco-tourism in the state. A new eco-tourism policy has been launched to develop 77 eco-tourism sites in different forest circles across the state. This is expected to bring in Rs. 200 crore in revenue in the next five years. The goal is to attract tourists in a way that protects nature, creates local jobs, and helps the economy grow in a clean and sustainable manner.
With its snow-covered mountains, thick forests, clean rivers, and rich wildlife, Himachal Pradesh has always been a favourite destination for nature lovers. The new eco-tourism policy aims to use this natural beauty responsibly. Eco-tourism involves travelling to natural places without harming the environment. The Eco-Tourism Policy 2024 of Himachal Pradesh has been specially crafted to ensure the safety of both tourism and nature.
Under this policy, 77 eco-tourism sites are being developed in different parts of the state including Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur, Rampur, Solan, Nahan, Hamirpur, Nalagarh, Dharamshala, Palampur, Chamba, Dalhousie, Nurpur, and Rekong Peo. Eco-tourism operators have already been selected for seven popular sites: Potter Hill and Shoghi in Shimla, Solang Nallah in Kullu, and Kasol in Parvati Valley. The remaining sites are being developed in phases. Visitors will be able to enjoy eco-friendly activities like trekking, bird watching, forest camping, jungle walks, homestays and nature interpretation trails.
Himachal Pradesh is also making significant strides in protecting and enriching its rich biodiversity, aiming to increase forest cover to 30 percent by 2030. Under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna, mahila mandals, yuvak mandals, self-help groups and joint forest committees are planting and maintaining saplings on 1 to 5 hectares of forest land for five years, supported by a budget of Rs. 100 crore. This year, 1,000 to 1,500 hectares of forest land are being planted at a cost of Rs. 20 crore, with an additional Rs. 1.2 lakh per hectare allocated for sapling maintenance. These efforts not only strengthen the rural economy but also enhance eco-tourism by creating greener, well-maintained forest areas that attract nature lovers and promote sustainable tourism in the state.
An important part of the eco-tourism push is involving local people. Eco-tourism committees have been formed in each forest circle to oversee these projects. Local youth are being trained as nature guides and workers. So far, more than 70 guides and 135 Multi-Purpose Workers (MPWs) have been trained by HPECOSOC (Himachal Pradesh Eco-Tourism Society), providing employment while encouraging environmental stewardship.
To make travel and bookings easier for tourists, eco-tourism services are now available online. Over 100 forest rest houses and camping sites can be booked through the HPECOSOC website. A trekking management system has also been introduced, with more than 245 trekking routes marked and listed by difficulty levels. A mobile app is being developed to further guide tourists.
The government has ensured that this policy aligns with national rules under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and the amended Forest Conservation Act (Van Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan Adhiniyam, 2023). Eco-tourism chapters in the working plans of forest divisions like Shimla, Palampur, Kullu, Seraj, and Mandi have already been approved.
These efforts are already showing results. In 2024, over two lakh tourists visited Himachal Pradesh, including 82,000 foreign visitors, a rise of 13.24 percent compared to the previous year. Tourism contributes 7.78 percent to the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), and this new policy is expected to further strengthen the state’s economy.
In just two and a half years, the present government has built a strong foundation for eco-tourism. By protecting the environment, enriching biodiversity, and supporting the local economy, Himachal Pradesh is setting a remarkable example of how tourism and nature can go hand in hand. This eco-tourism initiative is a big step toward a greener, cleaner, and more self-reliant future for the state.
