Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday launched border tourism activities at Shipki-La, a high-altitude 3,930-metre motorable mountain pass bordering India and China in the tribal district of Kinnaur.
Addressing a public meeting on the occasion, the Chief Minister said, “We have eased restrictions for the tourists to enjoy the beauty of Shipki-La, and the tourism activities here would strengthen the local economy, besides boosting tourism in the region.”
He said the state government had requested the Ministry of Defence to grant permission for starting tourism activities in the border areas of Lepcha, Shipki-La, Giu and Rani Kanda. After the approval for it, the border tourism initiative has been launched.
The Chief Minister said the state government would raise the issue of starting Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Shipki-La with the Central government as well. “I would meet the Prime Minister and present this matter before him. Shipki-La will be the easiest route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra,” he said.
The centuries-old trade route between India and Tibet, Shipki-La was closed for trade in 2020. There are immense possibilities of trade and cultural exchange through this pass, and the matter of restarting it would also be raised before the Central Government, said the Chief Minister. Sukhu said the state government has also urged the Centre to establish the Himachal Scout Battalion, which would have a special quota for the local people of the border areas of the state.
The issue of setting up an airport to promote tourism in the border areas would also be pursued before the Union government. The state government would urge the Centre to abolish the Inner Line Check Post of the military and paramilitary forces, which currently creates permit-related obstacles for tourists. Special attention is being given to promoting seamless travel and improving the experience of tourists, under which cooperation with the Army and paramilitary forces would be emphasised.
Sukhu said the Wangtu-Atargu-Mud-Bhaba road connecting Lahaul-Spiti district to Kinnaur has been approved by the National Wildlife Board, thus paving the way for its construction. This road would reduce the distance between Shimla and Kaza by approximately 100 km. The Chief Minister said border roads were not only of strategic importance, but their purpose was to provide benefits to the people by increasing connectivity in remote border regions.
He said he had also recently discussed the action plan to promote tourism in the border areas with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). There has also been a discussion on using various ITBP helipads to promote tourism in remote areas. Discussions have also been held about providing medical facilities to the people through the ITBP health institutions.
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