Himachal CM calls for scrapping Inner Line Posts, pushes for airstrips to promote tourism in border areas
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Sukhu sought cooperation and collaboration with the Indian Army and other paramilitary forces for promoting tourism upto the Line of Actual Control (LAC) the Sino-Indian border. He also asked the Army to set up an airstrip at Rangrik in Spiti valley facilitating landing of large aircrafts to promote tourism in the area.
Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu while presiding over a meeting with General Officer Commanding in Chief, Central Command, Lucknow and Lt. General Anindya Sengupta, said that tourism was the priority sector for the state government and co-ordination with the army was essential to promote this sector in the bordering areas as well.
The Chief Minister sought cooperation and collaboration with the Indian Army and other paramilitary forces for promoting tourism upto the Line of Actual Control (LAC) the Sino-Indian border. He said that the State Government would also urge the Central Government for abolition of inner-line check posts of various military and para military forces, that currently pose permit related hurdles for the tourists. He also urged to simplify travel related procedures to improve visitor's experience.
Sukhu also asked the Army to set up an airstrip at Rangrik in Spiti valley facilitating landing of large aircrafts in order to promote tourism in the area. He also asked to conduct survey for constructing heliports in Sangla, Neesang, Thangi etc. He said that these measures would go a long way in promoting tourism in these areas vis-à-vis strengthening the economy of the local people.
During the meeting, he also stated that Himachal Pradesh will soon take up the issue of commencing Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Shipki-La in Kinnaur district with the Union Government. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has religious significance for Hindus, Jain, Buddhists and every year thousands of pilgrims visit Kailash Mansarovar, a tradition rooted in centuries of spiritual heritage. He said that pilgrims can make entry into Tibet through Shipki-La, as it offers viable route for them.
Sukhu said that State Government would also urge the Central Government to establish Himachal Scouts Battalion on the analogy of Sikkim, Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh with a special quota for local persons from the bordering areas of the State. He said that this was a long pending demand of the people of the border areas.
The Chief Minister said that roads must be maintained by the Ministry of Defence as it was the lifeline of the State. These roads include Kiato-Takling La-Nurbo Sumdo, Wangtoo-Kafnu-Mud-Atargoo, Leo-Chango, Giu-Pang, Khana dumti-Nithal Thach, Harsil, Jeori-Wangtoo on right bank to Shipki-La.
Expressing strong support, the Indian Army assured cooperation in these initiatives and also evinced keen interest to converge in water supply, power and sports sectors with the Government to provide better facilities for the people residing in border areas.