Chief Minister today virtually launched ‘Chalo Chamba Campaign-2021’ from Shimla by inauguration of Exhibition on ‘Swarnim Himachal’, launching ‘Chalo Chamba Logo and ‘Chalo Chamba’ Mobile App. He also launched Road Signages to promote ‘Chalo Chamba’. These celebrations are a part of 50 years of Statehood celebrations- ‘Swarnim Himachal’.While addressing the event virtually from Shimla, Chief Minister said that it would have been pleasure to be a part of this celebration, but the Covid-19 has forced the State to defer the event and hold the event virtually.He said that Chamba district was one of the most beautiful district of the State with immense potential for tourism development. He said that the district also boast of rich and diverse culture and tradition. He said that the event was based on three ‘C’ i.e. Craft, Culture and Cuisine. Connecting tourism with traditional and unmatched handicraft products of Chamba, will not only give a special boost to tourism, but will also generate employment and strengthen the economy, he added.Jai Ram Thakur said that the district was also known for its unique cuisines, cultural diversity and handicraft. He said that the district was also known for the immense hydro power potential. He said that several mega, mini and minor hydel power projects were being executed in the district. He said that this was helping in providing ample employment and self-employment opportunities to the youths of the district.Chief Minister said that Chamba has recently lost two great leaders, former Speaker Tulsi Ram and former Minister of State Mohan Lal of the district.
He said that both these leaders have played a major role in development and progress of Chamba district. Chief Minister said that ‘Chalo Chamba Campaign’ aims to create self-employment opportunities for local people at their door step by expanding various tourism related activities across the district. He appreciated the district administration for initiating the Campaign in the golden jubilee year of full statehood of Himachal Pradesh. He said that this would go a long way in opening new horizons of economic self-reliance in Chamba district. He said the ‘Chalo Chamba’ campaign would play an important role in giving new dimension to the tourism landscape of Chamba district, known for its natural beauty. He said that this campaign would also open new avenues of adventure and nature tourism in the district.Jai Ram Thakur said that Chamba district has been included in the Central Government's aspirational district scheme for ensuring alround development of the district. He said that these efforts would give new direction and the district would get freedom from poverty and backwardness. He said that inclusion of the Brown Bear Motor Sports Rally would attract tourists from all over the country and abroad for protecting brown bears in the Kugati Wildlife area of Bharmaur tribal area.Chief Minister said that Bhuri Singh Power Project would be renovated and developed as a Hydro Power Museum, besides developing Akhand Chandi Palace as Heritage Centre. He said that efforts would also be made to develop Rang Mehal Chamba as Art and Craft Centre.Later, the Chief Minister virtually also flagged off rally of Chamba.
Local MLA Pawan Nayar, while welcoming the Chief Minister urged him to take initiatives to boost tourism activities in the district. He thanked the Chief Minister for showing special interest in development of Chamba district. He said that developmental projects worth crores of Rupees were being executed in the district.MLA Bhatiyat Bikram Singh Jaryal said that the district has immense tourism potential and when optimally harnessed, it could transform the very economy of the State.Deputy Commissioner Chamba D.C. Rana briefed the Chief Minister about the 'Chalo Chamba Campaign' and rally of Chamba. He said that this was one-of-a-kind mountain rally being organized under the aegis of Federation for Motor Sports Clubs in India (FMSCI) in which participants from 15 states of the country were participating, including 10 top riders of the country. He said that 35 participants in the motor car race and 53 participants in the motor bike were participating in this event.Health Minister Dr. Rajiv Saizal, Additional Chief Secretary J.C. Sharma and Advisor to the Chief Minister Dr. R.N. Batta were present at Shimla whereas, Vice Chairman State SC and ST Development Corporation Jai Singh, District BJP President D.S. Thakur, Chairperson Zila Parishad Neelam, Chairperson Nagar Parishad Chamba Neelam Nayar were present among others at Chamba.