From the Editor’s Desk

Tourism Policy

Jai Ram Thakur government has taken certain decisions that will have impact on state’s economy. The Cabinet decisions in the midst of Budget Session reflect government’s concern about state issues. Major tourist destinations are suffering as hotel industry has been mired into controversies. A little relaxation in town planning law is of utmost importance as it brings a hope to save the upcoming tourism season. There can be endless debate on merits and demerits of construction activities but a partial relief by the government has given a new lease of life to the hospitality sector. There is also a question mark over the new tourism policy so that the entire sector doesn’t indulge in illegal measures. The government has exempted small Himachali vehicles from toll tax while retaining revenue from such barriers to a great extent. However people always look for tax free facilities. Himachal having meager resources is dependent upon the central assistance to carry forward its development. Increasing number of vehicles however is an indicator of people’s economic prosperity in this hilly state. Local vehicles add to traffic woes as these are parked on roadside in every village, town and city. We can exempt small vehicles from toll tax but can’t challan them for being parked on roadside. There can be many examples of government freebies but people’s responsibility has no meaning. The system turned a blind eye when hotel structures were raised by flouting all norms.  There is need to understand challenges for construction at places like Manali, McLeodganj, Shimla, Kasauli and other religious places. The government decisions has come as a relief for the tourist season but bottlenecks need to be removed.  A campaign should be to save tourists places from illegal constructions.

Thought of the Week

Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines.            

-Robert H. Schuller

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