SAYONI BHADURI – Mumbai
The state of Himachal Pradesh plans to develop three new airports in the state – Ranital, Nadong and Kandaghat. These are to be on a PPP and a BOT mode. “Currently surveys are going on as well as dialogue between the state and government of India and Airports Authority of India is also on. Post the survey a technical appraisal will take place. The funding for the project will be accrued either from the union government or international funding,” Subhasish Panda, director, Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Himachal Pradesh and MD Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation said, “The existing three airports are also to undergo expansion. A study is being conducted by IIT Rourkee to see how Beas river can be contained and channelised to extend the existing runway at Bhuntar while land acquisition for Gaggal airport is in process.”
The state is also looking out for private investors to develop tourism projects. Panda said, “We have small land banks which we are open to give out to private companies for tourism related projects like golf courses and amusement parks.” There are seven of these land banks which are open for the taking. As to whether HPTDC will be looking at divesting in their resorts Panda was clear that they will not.
Discussing the uncontrolled growth in tourism and hotels in Shimla and its ill effects on the area, Panda said that despite all that tourists still want to visit Shimla, but they are also now preferring to stay in the suburbs. “We have recognised the need to decongest Shimla, accordingly current ruling states that only reconstructions and renovations can take place in the core Shimla area, and no new constructions can take place,” he added. Himachal Pradesh is a natural attraction for people he continued, government’s intervention is only to develop capacity and maintain sustainable tourism. “We are working on a perspective and anticipative planning. A tunnel is being built by the ministry of defense on the way to Lahaul Spiti. This will reduce travel time by 1.5 hours also making it a year round destination,” he said.
