By IANS,
Shimla : Himachal Pradesh has urged the central government to sanction the Yamuna Nagar-Paonta Sahib circuit on a priority basis to boost tourism in the state.
“Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal has urged union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja to sanction the Yamuna Nagar-Paonta Sahib tourism circuit,” an official statement said here Monday.
Dhumal said the state has developed various tourism circuits to diversify tourism activities.
The sanction by the central government will help in development of infrastructure besides tourism in the state.
“Paonta Sahib is a historically important town and Sikh devotees throng the place round the year. The infrastructure of the town would be developed if funds are provided by the central government,” he said.
He said the government has set up a ‘Himachali Haat’ where Himachali artifacts and handicrafts would be showcased. “The ‘Himachali Haat’ is likely to be inaugurated by Selja next month.”
Himachal Pradesh attracted 11,437,155 tourists, including 400,583 foreigners, in 2009.
Kullu-Manali has emerged as a favourite tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh, followed by Shimla and Dharamsala.