The State Government was planning to open a floating restaurant at Tattapani in Mandi district to make it a favourite tourist destination. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said this while virtually inaugurating Water Sports Activities at Tattapani from Shimla today.Chief Minister said the State Government was committed to develop lesser known tourist places under the ‘Nai Raahein Nai Manzilein’ programme. He said that this would not only lessen the burden on already crowded tourist places but would also provide an opportunity to tourists to explore virgin destinations. He said that this would also go a long way in providing employment and self employment activities to the local youth.Jai Ram Thakur said the State Government had also notified H.P. Miscellaneous Adventure Activities ‘Amendment’ Rules, to make sports activities safe and secure for sports lovers. He said the State Government would start new water sports activities like speed boat, water skiing, jet skiing, ski boarding, water scooter, cruise etc. in various water bodies.Chief Minister said that the Government would also explore the possibility of water transport in Kol Dam area. He said that events organised such as Satluj Aarti and preparation of 1995 kg khichari in one utensil has promoted Tattapani from tourism point of view in a big way.
He said that Guinness Book of World Record has been created during the event.Jai Ram Thakur said that Karsog area has several popular tourist destinations such as Mahunag Temple, Kamaksha Temple etc. which would be developed from religious tourism point of view. He said the Government was ensuring equitable and balanced development of the State.Chief Minister said that State Government has decided to celebrate golden jubilee year of the Statehood in a befitting manner. He said that 51 events would be held throughout the State to highlight the glorious developmental history of the State.Jai Ram Thakur said that the Primary Health Centre inaugurated by him today at Tattapani would provide better health care facilities to the people at their door steps.Chief Minister also launched e-Service portal of Tourism Department which would ensure time-bound services of issues related to various project approvals to the entrepreneurs in hospitality sector. He said that this would facilitate registration, renewal, project approvals and essentiality certificates to the seekers.Jai Ram Thakur also started an online facility for booking of Himachal Bhawans at New Delhi and Chandigarh and Himachal Sadan at Delhi.MP Ram Swaroop Sharma welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries present on the occasion. He also detailed various achievements of the State Government that took place in Mandi area.MLA Karsog, Hira Lal thanked the Chief Minister for launching various ambitious schemes. He said that it was due to efforts of the Chief Minister that Tattapani area was gradually emerging as a major tourist destination.Secretary Tourism Devesh Kumar, Director Tourism Yunus and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.