Himachal Pradesh Unveils Eco-Tourism Policy to Boost Economy and Protect Nature

The Himachal Pradesh government has rolled out a new Eco-Tourism Policy 2024, aimed at developing 77 eco-tourism sites across forest circles in the state. The initiative is expected to generate over ₹200 crore in revenue within five years, create employment opportunities, strengthen the rural economy, and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted that the policy’s core goal is to maintain a balance between tourism growth and environmental preservation. By encouraging controlled, eco-friendly tourism, the government seeks to safeguard forests, rivers, and wildlife while also providing direct benefits to local communities.

Activities and Sites Under Development

The policy promotes nature-centric activities such as trekking, bird watching, jungle walks, forest camping, interpretation trails, and homestays. Of the 77 identified sites, seven locations-including Potter Hill, Shoghi, Solang Nallah, and Kasol-have already been allocated to eco-tourism operators. The remaining destinations will be developed in phases across districts like Mandi, Bilaspur, Chamba, Dharamshala, and Dalhousie.

Linking Eco-Tourism with Biodiversity

Eco-tourism efforts are closely tied to biodiversity conservation. Under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna, saplings are being planted across 1,000–1,500 hectares of forest land with a budget of ₹20 crore. Local groups, including mahila mandals, yuvak mandals, and self-help groups, are actively engaged in nurturing these saplings, contributing to Himachal’s vision of achieving 30% forest cover by 2030.

Community Participation and Capacity Building

Local involvement is a key feature of the policy. Committees formed in each forest circle will oversee projects to ensure transparency and sustainability. So far, 70+ nature guides and 135 Multi-Purpose Workers have received training to support eco-tourism initiatives.

To further enhance visitor experience, 100+ forest rest houses and campsites have been made available for online booking, while 245 trekking trails have been mapped and categorized according to difficulty through a new trekking management system.

Growing Tourism and Economic Impact

Tourism in Himachal Pradesh is already showing positive growth. In 2024, the state welcomed over two lakh visitors, including 82,000 foreign tourists, reflecting a 13.24% increase from the previous year. With tourism already contributing 7.78% to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), officials believe the eco-tourism policy will not only strengthen the state’s economy but also position Himachal as a model for sustainable tourism in India.