The State Government was committed to develop Janjehli as a favourite Eco-Tourism destination of the Country, since the area has tremendous scope of tourism due to its salubrious climate, pristine setting and mesmerising scenic beauty. This was stated by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while presiding over the closing ceremony of Janjehli Tourism Festival-2019 held at Janjehli in Seraj area of Mandi district today.Jai Ram Thakur announced Rs. one crore for construction of Seraj Kala Manch so that the event could be organized in a befitting manner. He also announced Rs. 3 crore for construction of Mini Secretariat at Janjehli so that all the offices could be housed in one complex. Chief Minister said that this Festival was an effort to showcase the rich cultural diversity and natural beauty of the area. He said that Himachal Pradesh has several tourists' destinations such as Shimla, Manali, Kullu, Dharamshala etc, but still there were several virgin destinations which needed to be developed from tourism point of view. He said that this would not only reduce the ever increasing pressure of tourists on the already overcrowded tourist destinations, but also provide the tourists new destination to enjoy. Jai Ram Thakur said that the State government has decided to develop Chanshal in Shimla district as Winter sports and skiing destination, Janjehli in Mandi district as eco tourism destination, Bir Billing in Kangra district as Paragliding destination and Pong Dam in Kangra district as Water sports destination. He said that the famous Club Mahindra Group has agreed to setup a resort in Jhanjheli in the district. He said that efforts would also be made to setup a ropeway upto famous tourist place Shikari Mata Temple. This would ensure expansion of tourism activities in the area, he added.
Chief Minister thanked the people for providing wholehearted support to the BJP in the recently held Lok Sabha Elections. He said that the BJP in the State not only won all the four seats, but also made record by ensuring BJP victory in all the 68 assembly constituencies of the State. Not only this, the vote share of BJP in the State was about 69 per cent, which was highest in the country, he added. Jai Ram Thakur said that the Government would provide all possible help to make this Tourism Festival more attractive and well organised. He also urged people to come forward to adopt ‘Home Stay Scheme’ launched by the State Government. This would not only provide better boarding and lodging facilities to the tourists, but also help in supplementing their income, he added. Chief Minister said that an ADB Tourism Project was also coming up in Jhanjheli which would be an added attraction for the tourists. He said that PWD Rest House would be constructed soon which would also facilitate the tourists visiting the area. He said that the road to Janjehli would be upgraded and improved so that more tourists could be attracted to visit the area.He announced Rs. 20 lakh for development of Fishery farm at Janjehli. He announced that a multi-storey Parking would be constructed at Janjehli. He announced Rs. 20 lakh for construction of Bridge over Bakhli Khad. He also announced Rs. 10 lakh each for construction of bridge over Kaveli Nala and Basla Road. He also announced Rs. 11,000 each to all the 21 Mahila Mandals participating in the Festival.Earlier, the Chief Minister flagged off the colourful cultural troupe procession to mark the closing of Janjehli Tourism Festival-2019. He also visited exhibition stalls on the occasion and envisaged keen interest the items displayed by various Departments, Boards, Corporation and NGOs. He also released a Festival souvenir brought out by the organisers. He also distributed prizes to the winners of different events organised on the occasion.
SDM Janjehli at Thunag Surinder Mohan welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries present on the occasion among others. He also detailed about various events organized during the Tourist Festival.Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated Lift Water Supply Scheme from Chhari Khad to Tandi and adjourning areas at Thunag constructed at a cost of Rs. 2.68 crore. He also performed Bhumi Pujan of upgradation of Lambathach-Cheuni-Sharadhar-Narayabgarh-Thachi Road at Lambathach to be completed by spending Rs. 75.70 crore.Chief Minister laid foundation stone of Science Lab at Government Senior Secondary School Jarol to be constructed at a cost of about Rs. 2.60 crore. He inaugurated Water Supply Scheme at partially covered habitation to village Bhalwar in Gram Panchayat Tungadhar, Bung and Janjehli in Tehsil Thunag constructed at a cost of Rs. 43.45 lakh. This would ensure water supply to partially covered habitations of three Panchayats of the area.Jai Ram Thakur also laid foundation stone of 33 KV Sub Station at Janjehli to be completed at a cost of about Rs. 6 crore. He also laid foundation stone of HPPWD Rest House at Janjehli to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 3.43 crore.Earlier, the Chief Minister also addressed the people at Jarol after laying foundation stone of the Science Block of Senior Secondary school. He directed the PWD authorities to ensure completion of this block within a year. He thanked the people of the area for giving wholehearted support to the Government which inspires the Government to perform with greater commitment and dedication.Chief Minister announced to connect Kandi village with road and develop it from tourism point of view. He said that Tungasi would be developed as a tourist destination.Member of Parliament Ram Swaroop Sharma, MLA Balh Inder Singh Gandhi