To encourage tourism, Himachal Pradesh Government has given priority to set up nine ropeways and maintain important highways. This was stated by Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal while presiding over the fifth meeting of Tourism Development Board at Dharamsala yesterday.

He said the state government was working towards completing all formalities for construction of nine ropeways to connect Naina Devi (Himachal) with Anandpur Sahib (Punjab), Shahtalai with Deothsidh, Jia (Dharamsala) with Himani Chamunda, Bhuntar (Kullu) with Bijli Mahadev, Palchan (Manali) with Rohtang Pass (13050 feet), Khaniyara(Dharamsala) with Triund and Shimla with Jhaku temple.

Besides this, steps were also being taken to develop Neugal in Palampur from tourism point of view. He said with the completion of these projects not only religious tourism would get boost but various inaccessible areas would be opened to tourists.

Chief Minister said that State Government had taken the improvement and maintenance works of roads on priority which includes Shimla-Ghaghas, Shimla-Kufri-Narkanda- Chail, Kumarhatti-Nahan Chakki- Chamba, Kangra-Mandi and Swarghat-Manali roads. In addition to this, other roads were also being improved to facilitate the commuters. He directed the officials to highlight the important temples and tourist destinations on the milestones along the road sides.

He also stressed on highlighting and promoting the brand 'Unforgettable Himachal' on all bus stands, buses and gift hampers of HPMC so that proper publicity could be ensured. He released the tourism calendar for Year 2012 on the occasion.

PTI