Himachal CM meets Gajendra Shekhawat, seeks support to develop new tourist destinations

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], October 24 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called on Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi on Thursday.
Taking to his official handle on X, Chief Minister Sukhu posted, "Today I had a courtesy visit to Union Minister of Culture and Tourism@gssjodhpurin New Delhi. During this meeting, there was an in-depth discussion on the schemes being run by the state government to promote tourism in the state. Our government is promoting water sports activities on a large scale."
According to an official release from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) the Chief Minister urged for support from the Government of India (GoI) to develop new and integrated tourist destinations in the state.
He also asked the Union Minister to support the State under special central assistance schemes.
The Chief Minister said that the Detailed Project Report (DPRs) will be submitted to the GoI in a couple of weeks. He sought support to construct wellness centre-cum-health resort at Dehra in Kangra district and an integrated tourism complex at Auhar (Bilaspur).
Sukhu said that the State Government was promoting water sports in big way in the state to attract tourists and added that Pong Dam and Bhakra Dam had huge potential in this regard.
The Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh was committed to sustainable development and promotion of tourism in the state.
The emphasis was being laid on developing infrastructure and improving connectivity to facilitate high end tourists. He said that state was developing heliports to connect all district headquarters besides expanding Kangra airport.
He said that State is also envisaging to develop new tourist destinations for expansion of tourism in the state and urged the Union Minister to support and fund the state for constructing golf courses in the state.
Sukhu said that Pong dam reservoir had been selected as tourist destination under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and requested for speedy funds for executing the project. He further said that a revised DPR for development of Chintpurni temple complex under Prashad Scheme had been sent to GoI and requested for sanction of funds.
The Union Minister assured to take up the project for constructing iconic tourist centres immediately within one month at appropriate level and provide speedy clearance. He also assured to support the state in its tourism promotion activities besides releasing funds soon.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Advisor Ram Subhag Singh and other senior officers. (ANI)