The Ministry of Defence has given the green light for tourism activities in the sensitive border areas of Lepcha, Shipki-La, Giu, and Rani Kanda in Himachal Pradesh, following a request from the state government. The decision is expected to boost tourism and benefit local communities while maintaining coordination with national security requirements.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will officially launch border tourism at Shipki-La in Kinnaur district on June 10. On the same day, he will also flag off the Sadbhawana Cycle Rally as part of the promotional events. Tourists will be required to present Aadhaar identification for verification before entering these newly opened destinations.
“These initiatives will go a long way in promoting tourism in the bordering areas, thereby benefitting the local people and strengthening their economy,” said CM Sukhu. He also announced plans to pursue the establishment of an airport at Rangreek in the Spiti valley to further enhance connectivity and attract more visitors to the region.
The decision to open these areas to tourism follows a high-level meeting held on April 19 with senior Army officials. In a follow-up review meeting on May 20, CM Sukhu met with officers from the Indian Army and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to assess the progress of ongoing development projects in the border zones.
He directed officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) and the BRO to accelerate the implementation of infrastructure projects, ensuring benefits for both border residents and defence personnel. Among the key initiatives, Sukhu emphasized the need to prioritise the Nithalthach–Harshil road project as a strategic corridor linking Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
The Chief Minister also reviewed progress on the Sansari–Killar–Thirot–Tandi road project, where 35 percent of construction has been completed. He urged the BRO to expedite the remaining work to ensure early operationalisation of the route.
In a bid to enhance local participation in national defence, Sukhu stated that he would raise the demand for establishing a Himachal Scouts Battalion during his upcoming visit to Delhi. The proposed battalion would comprise local youth familiar with the terrain, improving border defence capabilities in the state.
During the meeting, Sukhu encouraged Army officers to support the state’s push for natural farming by procuring agricultural produce such as barley, wheat, maize, and milk through the Himachal Pradesh Marketing Board. He noted that the state government is offering minimum support prices (MSP) for naturally grown produce to strengthen the rural economy.
Lieutenant General G.D. Mishra, General Officer Commanding Uttar Bharat Area, informed the Chief Minister that the Army will set up an apple processing plant in the region and conduct a medical camp for cataract surgeries in June to assist residents in remote border areas.
