Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Tuesday said the government is vying to make Himachal Pradesh as major eco-tourism destination in India and these activities would be linked with rural culture and traditions.

Addressing 2-day International Conference on ‘Eco-Tourism Potential in Himachal Pradesh’ at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali in Kullu district, he said eco-tourism activities not only associate people with the nature. But it can prove a major employment and self-employment generator for the youth of the state.

“Nature parks and herbal gardens were being developed in the state and 50 Forest Rest Houses have been used to start eco-tourism activities,” he said.

Thakur said efforts would be made to link eco-tourism with the rural life, culture and traditions which would not only give boost to the unexplored and virgin tourist destinations. But also help in increasing economic activities in the rural areas of the state. He said that the government has identified 113 sites to be developed from eco-tourism point of view.

Out of these sites, 5 sites have been given on PPP mode, 16 to the Forest department and 47 to HP State Forest Corporation for starting eco-tourism activities at these sites.

In addition 25 new destinations would be developed by constructing log huts for stay of tourists in the lap of nature, he said, adding three eco-tourism hubs would be developed during the current financial year.

He said that 10 places would be developed from adventure tourism point of view with the close coordination of Eco Tourism Society, Tourism Department and Mountaineering Institute, Manali.

Besides, 31 eco-tourism circuits has been prepared and would be sent for approval to the Centre.

“Himachal has immense potential to emerge as the best tourist destination of the world. Natural beauty, clean environment and above all peaceful law and order situation are some added attractions for the tourists visiting the state,” he said.

He added eco-tourism could have several components such as trekking, mountain biking, river rafting, skiing, heli-skiing, camping, rock climbing, bird watching etc.