Government Links Forest Conservation with Employment as CM Lays Foundation Stone for Sara GaDakufri Forest Rest House

Shimla, 05 April: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu virtually laid the foundation stone for the much-anticipated Forest Rest House at Sara GaDakufri in Theog, Shimla. The rest house, to be built at a cost of Rs 1.60 crore, is expected to significantly boost both eco-tourism and local employment in the region.

Promoting Tourism and Eco-Tourism in Theog

During the ceremony, CM Sukhu highlighted the immense tourism potential of the area, known for its scenic beauty and the influx of tourists. He pointed out that while Sara GaDakufri attracts numerous tourists annually, there has been a lack of suitable accommodation options in the vicinity, particularly within a 25-kilometer radius. This has created a gap in the region’s tourism infrastructure, especially for visitors and devotees visiting the famous temples in the area.

To address this, the government has decided to build the forest rest house, which will not only provide accommodation but will also promote eco-tourism by offering sustainable lodging options. The Chief Minister emphasized that the rest house will provide essential facilities for tourists, including those coming from local and out-of-state regions, which will further catalyze tourism in the area.

A Step Toward Green Employment

Sukhu also shared the government’s broader vision of linking forest conservation with employment opportunities. He mentioned that the Forest Department currently manages 450 rest areas across the state, which could be utilized to boost eco-tourism. Additionally, the process of selecting and allotting eco-tourism sites is ongoing, with 7 eco-tourism sites already allocated and 78 new sites set to be announced soon.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the Rajiv Gandhi Forest Conservation Scheme for 2025-26, which will focus on planting fruit trees and other beneficial species on barren forest lands. This initiative, which involves local youth and women’s self-help groups, aims to promote biodiversity while providing sustainable income opportunities in rural areas. The plan includes planting trees on 5,000 hectares of forest land in the upcoming financial year, with a special emphasis on fruit-bearing plants that will help reduce human-wildlife conflicts.

Support for Local Communities

The Rajiv Gandhi Forest Conservation Scheme will also provide Rs 2.40 lakh to Yuvak Mandals, Mahila Mandals, and Self Help Groups for plantation and flooding in the first year. Over five years, these groups will receive a total of Rs 6.40 lakh for the plantation and maintenance of the trees, ensuring that local communities are involved in the long-term conservation and management efforts.

MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore expressed gratitude for the CM’s efforts, acknowledging the government’s focus on promoting both tourism and horticulture. He also shared that Rs 3.50 crore had been allocated for the construction of an ice skating rink in Narkanda to further boost tourism in the region.

A Vision for Sustainable Growth

The Chief Minister’s vision integrates environmental conservation with economic growth, providing a balanced approach that benefits both the ecosystem and the local population. His government’s initiatives, including eco-tourism and green employment, are expected to create a more sustainable future for Himachal Pradesh.

Vice President of Himachal Pradesh Forest Development Corporation Kehar Singh Khachi also thanked the CM for approving the construction of the rest house, which will be a milestone in the development of the region.

On this occasion, several prominent figures including Himachal Pradesh Cooperative Bank Chairman Devendra Shyam, Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, and OSD to the Chief Minister Gopal Sharma were present to show their support for the project.