Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday inaugurated the first phase of the Kamiyana Hill Top Nature Trail near Shimla, describing it as a major step towards promoting eco-tourism, environmental awareness and sustainable development in the state.
Developed by the Forest Department at a cost of ₹5 crore, the project is spread across nearly eight hectares in Poabo village and features a 2.5-kilometre nature trail designed to offer visitors an immersive experience of the region’s biodiversity and natural beauty.
The trail has been constructed with a gentle gradient, making it accessible to people of all age groups, including senior citizens and children. Located at a hilltop vantage point, the site offers sweeping views of several prominent Himalayan landmarks, including Shali Peak, Mahasu Peak, Mashobra, Craignano Nature Park, the Naldehra Horse Trail and the Shimla Water Catchment Area.
One of the key attractions of the project is the “Vaman Vriksha Mandal”, a bonsai garden showcasing around 40 miniature trees representing 15 different species.
During the inauguration ceremony, the Chief Minister also announced an allocation of ₹5.20 crore for the construction of 16 roads in the Kasumpti Assembly constituency under provisions of the Forest Rights Act. He said the state government remained committed to transparent governance and public welfare while prioritising rural development.
Highlighting measures aimed at strengthening the rural economy, Mr Sukhu said the government had significantly increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for several naturally grown crops. Wheat MSP has been raised from ₹60 to ₹80 per kilogram, maize from ₹40 to ₹50 per kilogram, and barley grown in Chamba district’s Pangi Valley from ₹60 to ₹80 per kilogram.
He added that the MSP for raw turmeric had been increased from ₹90 to ₹150 per kilogram, while naturally grown ginger would now be procured at ₹30 per kilogram by the state government.
The Chief Minister also pointed to increased support for dairy farmers, stating that procurement prices for cow milk had risen from ₹32 to ₹61 per litre over the past three years, while buffalo milk rates had increased from ₹47 to ₹71 per litre.
Turning to politics, Mr Sukhu criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of spreading misinformation despite securing only 98 of the state’s 251 Zila Parishad seats. He claimed that the Congress had performed strongly in the recent Panchayati Raj elections, winning 29 of 53 urban local bodies compared with the BJP’s 21.
The Chief Minister further alleged that attempts had been made to influence electoral outcomes through financial means but said public support had helped Congress regain strength in the state assembly during recent by-elections. He also cited the party’s victory in the Shimla Municipal Corporation elections as evidence of continued public backing.
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, who also addressed the gathering, said significant progress had been made in improving infrastructure across the Kasumpti constituency. According to him, 120 roads have been sanctioned under the Forest Rights Act in nearby panchayats, while 124 roads have already been upgraded and metalled.
Mr Singh said the development of the Kamiyana Nature Trail was expected to boost tourism and generate employment and self-employment opportunities for local communities.
Senior forest officials, including Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr Sanjay Sood, and other dignitaries attended the event.
