Shimla, June 26 (IANS) Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal Saturday launched a programme in Lahaul and Spiti district to boost tourism in remore areas and said a plan to start helicopter-taxi service is also under consideration.
As part of the Border Area Development Programme, Dhumal laid the foundation stone of a model village at Kaza town in Spiti Valley. Modern basic amenities would be created in the village to lure tourists, an official statement said here.
The Buddhist-dominated Spiti Valley has a rich treasure of monasteries. It attracts globe-trotters not only for nature-based activities but also for visiting ancient monasteries like Tabo, which is over 1,000 years old, Dhankar, Gungri, Lidang, Hikkam, Sagnam and Nako.
Speaking at a rally at Kaza, some 450 km from state capital Shimla, Dhumal said: ‘The government is committed to give boost to tourism-promotion activities in the tribal areas and possibilities of starting helicopter-taxi services are being explored to attract high-end tourists.
‘Over a dozen airline companies have shown keen interest to start helicopter-taxis in the state,’ he added.
The chief minister said Kaza would be an important tourist destination in the state. He said Rs.1.25 crore has been allocated for developing infrastructure in the Spiti Valley.
