Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Addresses Over-Tourism Concerns in State Assembly
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu acknowledged on Tuesday that "over-tourism" in the ecologically fragile Himalayan state is straining its carrying capacity of roads, leading to heavy traffic congestion during peak tourist seasons. The CM made these remarks while responding to questions in the state assembly, highlighting the pressing infrastructure challenges faced by the popular tourist destination.
Road Repairs and Traffic Management Plans Announced
In response to a question by Banjar MLA Surender Shourie, CM Sukhu assured that highways and roads would be repaired before the upcoming tourist season, with adequate police deployment to manage traffic effectively. He emphasized the government's commitment to improving transportation infrastructure to accommodate the influx of visitors.
The CM also revealed that no scientific study on carrying capacity has been conducted for tourist destinations in the Banjar constituency, and there are currently no plans to undertake such a study. Banjar, known as a niche tourist destination offering trekking, cultural experiences, and angling tourism, faces unique pressures from tourism growth.
Focus on Religious Tourism and Temple Development
CM Sukhu highlighted Himachal Pradesh's status as the land of 'Shakti Peethas' and announced plans to promote religious tourism in the state. In response to a question by BJP MLA Randhir Sharma, he stated that the state government is preparing a master plan for the Shri Naina Devi temple in Bilaspur district.
The CM informed the assembly that temples across Himachal Pradesh will be beautified, with a budget of Rs 25 crore allocated specifically for Chintpurni and Jwalamukhi temples. A comprehensive master plan for all Shakti Peethas will be prepared within a year, including features such as lifts for elderly visitors and comfortable spaces for shopkeepers.
Additional Government Announcements
During the assembly session, several other important updates were shared:
- Government Advertisement Spending Reduced: The current administration has spent ₹14.73 crore on advertisements over three years through the information and public relations department, compared to ₹28 crore by the previous BJP regime. Total advertisement spending across all departments stood at ₹22.87 crore until October 31, 2025.
- Healthcare Support: The state has 205 thalassaemia and 158 haemophilia patients who receive free medicines and blood. Eligible patients also get ₹3,000 monthly assistance under the Sahara Scheme.
- Scrap Disposal Policy: The government plans to introduce a policy for scientific disposal of scrap across various departments, including police stations, hospitals, and schools, in the next cabinet meeting.
- Jal Jeevan Mission Challenges: Drinking water projects have been impacted as the central government has not released ₹1,227 crore in the past year. These funds remain under central control and cannot be diverted for other purposes.
The CM's statements reflect a balanced approach to tourism development in Himachal Pradesh, addressing both infrastructure challenges and cultural preservation while managing the state's natural resources responsibly.
