CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Virtually Lays Foundation Stone for Forest Rest House at Sara Gadakufar to Boost Eco-Tourism in Shimla District

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today virtually laid the foundation stone for a new Forest Rest House to be constructed at Sara Gadakufar in Theog, district Shimla. This eco-tourism facility, which is being developed with an estimated budget of ₹1.60 crore, is expected to play a significant role in promoting tourism and improving visitor amenities in the region. The Chief Minister highlighted the immense untapped tourism and eco-tourism potential of Sara Gadakufar, which is frequented by tourists due to its natural serenity and picturesque landscape. Despite being a popular destination, the region has lacked rest house infrastructure within a 25-kilometre radius, leaving pilgrims and visitors without proper accommodation, especially those visiting prominent temples in the area.

The new Forest Rest House is envisioned as a key step toward enhancing comfort and convenience for both domestic and out-of-state tourists. Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that the initiative aligns with the state’s broader vision of promoting sustainable and nature-based tourism. Currently, the Forest Department operates around 450 rest houses across Himachal Pradesh. These facilities are being increasingly integrated into the state’s eco-tourism development strategy. Several eco-tourism locations have already been identified, with seven sites allocated and the allotment process for an additional 78 eco-tourism destinations set to begin shortly.

Over the past two years, the Himachal Pradesh government has undertaken afforestation efforts over 600 hectares of barren hills and slopes. These initiatives have actively involved local communities, who are being employed to maintain the plantations under a structured seven-year maintenance plan. This not only ensures the survival of saplings but also creates livelihood opportunities for residents close to their homes.

Looking ahead, the government has set a goal to expand plantation drives across 5,000 hectares of forest land during the financial year 2025–26. Approximately 60 percent of the saplings planted will be fruit-bearing and of economically beneficial varieties, which will enhance forest biodiversity and help reduce instances of human-wildlife conflict by keeping animals within forest boundaries.

Another notable environmental initiative is the launch of the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana, for which ₹100 crore has been allocated in the 2025–26 state budget. Under this program, youth clubs, women’s groups (mahila mandals), and self-help groups will be encouraged to plant fruit-bearing trees on 1 to 5 hectares of barren forest land. These groups will also be responsible for the care and upkeep of the plantations over a five-year period. In the first year, each participating group will receive ₹2.40 lakh for plantation and fencing. Subsequent years will see continued support, culminating in a total grant of ₹6.40 lakh per group over five years.

Local MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for approving the construction of the Forest Rest House and acknowledged the government’s ongoing efforts to promote tourism and horticulture in the region. He also mentioned that ₹3.50 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of an ice skating rink in Narkanda. Additionally, the recent introduction of the Universal Carton system has helped safeguard the interests of apple growers, curbing their exploitation. Rathore reiterated the Congress Party’s commitment to collective progress in Himachal Pradesh and affirmed that they would counter any divisive political tactics from the opposition.

Vice Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Development Corporation, Kehar Singh Khachi, also expressed his appreciation to the Chief Minister for initiating the Forest Rest House project, recognizing its importance in elevating the tourism infrastructure of the region.

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