ADB approves Rs 1,900 crore tourism projects in Himachal

Bantony Castle

With an aim to explore the untapped tourism potential of the state, Himachal Pradesh government has sought financial aid from Asian Development Bank (ADB) and got approval for projects worth of Rs 1,900 crores. It was informed by Jai Ram Thakur, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, during a meeting with Kenichi Yokoyama, the country director of ADB.

In addition to this, projects worth Rs 650 crore had also been sanctioned by ADB for the state, which would be implemented in two phases.

Brajeshwari Devi Temple

“All the projects will be executed in the stipulated period. The state government is also implementing a crop diversification project in five districts. The second phase of this project has been ready for ADB funding,” said Thakur.

He has requested the ADB director to accord early approval to this project so that it could be executed in time.

“ADB will provide all possible help for the effective sanctioning and execution of various projects to the state,” said Kenichi Yokoyama.

Dharmasala

The projects include restoration of Shimla Mall Road extension; conservation, restoration and rehabilitation of Bantony Castle in Shimla, creation of center for traditional arts and crafts at Badagran near Manali, conservation and upgrade of the historic urban precincts and buildings in Mandi, restoration of Chamunda Temple and Bajjreshwari Temple, creation of cultural centre for traditional crafts and arts at Nagrota Bagwan, Kangra, conserving prominent temple precincts and upgrading of urban infrastructure for tourism in Dharamsala and McLeodganj etc.