Chandigarh, 20 May 2025: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is set to inaugurate border tourism activities from Shipki-La in Kinnaur district on 10th June 2025. This major event will coincide with the launch of the Sadbhawana Cycle Rally, an initiative aimed at fostering peace and camaraderie. The state government, with the approval of the Ministry of Defence, has decided to open up border areas in regions like Lepcha, Shipki-La, Giu, and Rani Kanda for tourism. Visitors to these picturesque locations will now be required to present their Aadhar cards to authorities before exploring these remote yet beautiful areas.
This move to promote border tourism is expected to not only highlight the natural beauty of Himachal’s border regions but also provide a substantial economic boost to the local population. The development of tourism in these areas will create employment opportunities, strengthen the local economy, and improve the quality of life for the residents who live in these strategically significant zones.
In a significant development, Chief Minister Sukhu held a high-level meeting with senior Army officers and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) officials to review ongoing border development projects. The meeting, which took place earlier this month, focused on expediting various infrastructure projects in the border areas, aimed at improving the lives of local residents as well as enhancing operational efficiency for the armed forces. During the meeting, the Chief Minister urged the officers to prioritize the swift execution of key projects to maximize their benefits for the people and the military.
The Chief Minister shared his vision of establishing a Himachal Scouts Battalion, a specialized force comprising predominantly of local youth who are familiar with the terrain and climatic conditions. He intends to raise the matter with the Union Government during his upcoming visit to New Delhi. According to Sukhu, the establishment of the Himachal Scouts Battalion would significantly bolster the state’s security along the border while simultaneously providing employment opportunities for the local youth.
Sukhu also emphasized the importance of setting up an airport at Rangreek in Spiti Valley to further promote tourism in the region. The proposed airport is expected to not only boost tourism but also enhance connectivity, thereby fostering economic development in one of the state’s most remote yet breathtaking regions.
In addition to discussing tourism and military infrastructure, the Chief Minister also highlighted several ongoing road projects in the region. He specifically mentioned the Nithalthach-Harshil road project, stressing that it should be declared a strategically important project and completed as a priority. This project is expected to improve connectivity between Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, boosting trade and tourism in both states.
Another major focus was the Sansari-Killar-Thirot-Tandi road project, for which Sukhu urged the BRO to expedite the remaining work. He noted that 35% of the project had already been completed and encouraged the BRO to fast-track the remaining work to ensure the road’s early operationalization, thereby enhancing connectivity in the region.
The Chief Minister also directed the Army to procure natural farming products like barley, wheat, maize, and milk from the Himachal Pradesh Marketing Board, in alignment with the state’s push for natural farming. Sukhu emphasized that the government is offering Minimum Support Price (MSP) for naturally grown produce, which will not only promote sustainable farming but also boost the local economy.
During the meeting, General Officer Commanding Uttar Bharat Area, Lieutenant General G.D. Mishra, shared that the Army plans to establish an apple processing plant in the region. Additionally, a medical camp for cataract surgeries will be organized in June this year, aimed at providing healthcare benefits to the people in the border areas.
The meeting was attended by several key officials, including Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, Chief Engineer Central Command Jayachandran, OSD to Chief Minister Gopal Sharma, and Engineer-in-Chief PWD N.P. Singh, among others.
These initiatives mark a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to promote sustainable tourism, bolster security, and enhance the livelihoods of people in the border areas. With a clear focus on infrastructural development and community welfare, Chief Minister Sukhu’s vision is set to create lasting positive change for the people living in Himachal’s border regions.
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