Himachal Pradesh Rolls Out New Eco-tourism Blueprint Covering 77 Sites, Trekking Routes, And Forest Retreats To Balance Growth With Conservation

Published on August 18, 2025

Himachal Pradesh, renowned for its snow‑capped peaks, whispering conifer forests, and crystal‑clear rivers, has taken a bold measurement toward sustainable tourism by launching its Eco‑Tourism Policy 2024. This inaugural targets nan improvement of 77 eco‑tourism sites crossed nan state’s scenic and forest-rich districts, including Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Dharamshala, Kasol, and galore others. The extremity is to onslaught a observant equilibrium betwixt expanding tourer footfall and preserving nan state’s vulnerable ecosystems.

The argumentation is projected to make ₹200 crore successful revenue complete nan adjacent 5 years, while simultaneously creating employment opportunities, strengthening nan rural economy, and advancing eco-conscious travel. As portion of nan first phase, eco-tourism operators person been appointed astatine 7 sites specified arsenic Potter Hill and Shoghi successful Shimla, Solang Nallah successful Kullu, and Kasol successful Parvati Valley. More locations will beryllium opened successful a phased rollout.

A awesome invention is nan preamble of digital booking platforms for complete 100 forest remainder houses and camping sites nether nan Himachal Pradesh Eco-Tourism Society. The authorities has besides launched a Trekking Management System featuring 245 mapped trekking routes, classified by trouble level. A supporting mobile app is nether improvement to guideline trekkers and amended their experience.

Local organization information plays a cardinal domiciled successful this policy. Eco‑tourism committees person been formed crossed each wood circles to guarantee transparent and localized execution. More than 70 nature guides and 135 multi-purpose workers (MPWs) person been trained, ensuring that tourism maturation benefits section residents straight while nurturing a consciousness of biology responsibility.

Tourism accounts for astir 7.78% of Himachal Pradesh’s GSDP, and nan authorities welcomed complete 1.81 crore visitors successful 2024, including astir 82,000 world tourists. This marks a 13.2% emergence from nan erstwhile year. The eco‑tourism argumentation frankincense arrives astatine a captious clip to guideline this momentum into a much sustainable future.

1. Scope & Vision

• Development of 77 eco-tourism sites crossed forest-dense districts for illustration Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur, Rampur, Solan, Nahan, Hamirpur, Nalagarh, Dharamshala, Palampur, Chamba, Dalhousie, Nurpur, and Rekong Peo (Kinnaur).
• Focus connected balancing biology conservation pinch economical maturation and organization engagement.

2. Early Implementation

• Initial rollout includes assignment of eco-tourism operators astatine cardinal sites: Potter Hill, Shoghi, Solang Nallah, and Kasol.
• The remaining sites are planned to beryllium developed successful phased stages to guarantee value power and sustainability.

3. Digital Integration & Access

• Online booking strategy launched for over 100 wood remainder houses and camping sites, improving accessibility for eco-travelers.
• Trekking Management System introduced pinch 245 officially marked trekking routes, divided into easy, moderate, and difficult levels.
• A mobile app is successful improvement to heighten nan trekking acquisition pinch way details, alerts, and information features.

4. Empowering Local Communities

• Formation of eco-tourism committees successful each wood circle to support localized readying and execution.
• Over 70 quality guides and 135 MPWs trained and deployed, enhancing section employment and biology stewardship.

5. Economic & Environmental Impacts

• Expected gross procreation of ₹200 crore complete 5 years done tourism-linked services and infrastructure.
• Himachal Pradesh’s tourism assemblage already contributes 7.78% to nan state’s GSDP.
• Visitor count reached 1.81 crore successful 2024, including 82,000 overseas tourists—a 13.24% summation complete nan erstwhile year.
• Policy aligns pinch authorities conservation schemes aimed astatine expanding wood cover, protecting biodiversity, and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Subheadings pinch Strategic Keywords

Eco‑Tourism Policy 2024: A New Era for Sustainable Travel successful Himachal Pradesh
Digital Access & Trekking Routes: Hiking into nan Future of Eco‑Travel
Local Empowerment: Training Nature Guides and Boosting Rural Jobs
Economic Gains Meet Conservation: Balancing Tourism pinch Environmental Protection

Why This Matters

The motorboat of nan Eco‑Tourism Policy 2024 places Himachal Pradesh astatine nan forefront of sustainable tourism successful India. The argumentation seamlessly integrates economic development, community involvement, and environmental conservation—demonstrating a semipermanent imagination for inclusive, greenish growth. With rising tourer liking successful nature-centric experiences, Himachal’s proactive attack serves arsenic a blueprint for different Indian states to travel successful preserving their earthy practice while generating worth for section communities.