27th June,2010
Tourism is one of the
key areas which can strengthen
socioeconomic activities besides
attracting tourists to the land of
enchanting beauty-Himachal Pradesh.
In view of this, the Himachal
Pradesh Government has recently
launched a scheme known as 'Har Gaon
Ki Kahani'(story of every village),
in addition to 'Home Stay Schemel,
which is attracting hoards of
tourists to lesser known and remote
destinations of the State from last
two years. Under 'Har Gaon Ki Kahani',
fascinating tales, folklore and
anecdotes related to remote villages
in Himachal Pradesh are set to lure
tourists. This novel scheme aims at
developing villages of historic
importance as tourism villages by
providing basic amenities and will
provide tourists a peep into rustic
life of the hill State.
People across the
State have been asked by the tourism
department to send fascinating
stories and legends, stories of gods
and goddesses, prevalent religious
beliefs, interesting anecdotes,
local customs, rituals followed on
the occasion of marriage and
festivals etc related to their
native place. These would then be
reviewed and published by the
authorities in tourism literature to
woo tourists. If the story from a
village is interesting and has some
historical facts, the tourism
department will allot funds to that
village to develop tourism
infrastructure. The concerned
Panchayats can send such
stories/anecdotes, incidents
directly to the office of Deputy
Commissioner or concerned District
Tourism Development Officer.
Himachal Pradesh
happens to be 'First State’ in the
country to link MNREGA with tourism
promotion activities. Tourism
infrastructure of the selected
villages will be developed by roping
in local villagers and using funds
under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGA).
'Har Gaon Ki Kahani' scheme will
generate self-employment and
decongest urban areas. Besides,
local people will also get a chance
to showcase their cuisine, folk
culture and handicrafts.
For the
implementation of 'Har Gaon Ki
Kahani' scheme, a committee has been
constituted under the
chairpersonship of Deputy
Commissioner which comprises of
concerned District Tourism
Development Officer, District
Language Officer, District Public
Relations Officer, District
Panchayat Officer and any other
member (non-official).
'Home Stay Scheme'
launched in the year 2008 is already
a grand success and a favourite
among the tourists. The scheme
focuses on rural tourism to generate
employment, income and promote new
destinations by exhibiting ancient
heritage and culture of the State.
Till date, 246 home stay units have
been registered in the State with 75
in Kullu, 49 in Kinnaur, 31 in
Kangra, 38 in Shimla, 10 in Mandi,
12 in Chamba, 19 in Lahaul-Spiti,
six each in Sirmaur and Solan
district and about a dozen units are
in registration process. 653 rooms
are available in these registered
units where tourists can experience
rustic lifestyle in a homely
atmosphere. In the last one year,
5532 Indian and 220 foreign visitors
stayed in the registered home stay
units in the State according to
Tourism Department.
Kullu district has
emerged a forerunner in attracting
maximum number of tourists in its 75
registered home stays. 1539 domestic
and 132 foreign tourists stayed in
the units situated at Jong-Katrain,
Manali, Jibhi, Banjar, Prini, Naggar,
Jagatsukh, Bahang, Mohal, Haripur,
Kasol, Kullu etc. Kinnaur district
follows next with 49 registered
units where 26 domestic and 5
foreign tourists visited while 38
registered home stay units in Shimla
district attracted 259 domestic
tourists. In Kangra district, 31
registered units attracted 1580
domestic and 77 foreign tourists.
Similarly, 6 domestic and 3 foreign
tourists stayed in Spiti valley's 19
registered units. 39 tourists stayed
in Chamba district's 12 registered
units whereas 4 domestic tourists
enjoyed the country side settings in
Mandi district's 10 registered home
stay units.
Besides providing
tourists a peep into the rich rural
cultural heritage, traditions and
customs, home stay units are
providing self employment
opportunities to the rural folk.
Under this scheme, minimum one and
maximum three rooms can be
registered as home stay in rural
areas where the owner of the house
is also residing. There is no luxury
and sale tax, no VAT and electricity
and water consumption is charged on
domestic rates. Those who wish to
register their homes under this
scheme can contact the concerned
District Tourism Development Officer
of their respective areas. To
facilitate tourists in booking home
stay unit of their choice and make
their sojourn memorable, the Tourism
Department has started facility of
online reservation on
www.hptdc.gov.in.
Photograph related to
feature is available on the website.
