Sensing a major interest among tourists towards ecotourism and adventure activities, the Wildlife wing of the Forest Department has identified more than 136 sites to be developed under public-private partnership (PPP) mode.
The Forest Department has leased out 17 ecotourism sites across the state under PPP mode. While some of these sites have become functional, work in the others is underway to develop and throw those open to tourists at the earliest. Some of these sites are located at the most picturesque locations in Shimla district, Parbati, Solang and Khirganga valleys in Kullu district and in Dharamsala-Palampur divisions in Kangra district.
“To promote ecotourism, the Forest Department has allotted 17 sites. As many as 51 are in the offing for which bids are being invited. We have identified a total of 136 sites which will be developed in a phased manner,” said Sanjay Sood, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF).
These sites will offer a wide range of activities like trekking, camping, rock climbing, motor biking and food vans serving local cuisine. The start of ecotourism sites across the state, especially in the remote rural areas, is to create employment opportunities for the local youth with jobs like cooks, travel guides, security and housekeeping.
The Ecotourism Policy was formulated in 2001 and subsequently revised in 2005. The main objective is to decongest and disperse overflowing city tourist destinations and bring the tourists closer to nature. By way of promotion of ecotourism, the state government is keen to get adequate economic returns and create livelihood opportunities for the local communities.
On June 6, the Forest Department amended the Wildlife (Protection) Himachal Pradesh Rules, 1975 to make Wildlife (Protection) Himachal Pradesh (Amendment) Rules 2026. The rules have made for enhancing the charges for photography, tourism and other activities in a sanctuary area. Charges have been imposed for filming in these areas, using a drone and for undertaking research.
With a view to conserving the wide range of wildlife in Himachal, there are five national parks, 25 wildlife sanctuaries and three conservation reserves, spread across all the agro-climate zones in the state. These areas have significant ecological, geomorphological and biodiversity value. Some areas like the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), spread over 754.4 sq km in Kullu, attract large number of nature lovers. The other national parks include the Pin Valley, Khirganga, Inderkila and Col Sher Jung National Park.
While the core areas in the national parks are free from local rights and act as a sanctum to wildlife to enjoy protected natural habitat, the buffer zone absorbs the impact of human activity.
