Low publicity hampers Himachal eco-tourism push; government extends tender deadline to May 16

Low publicity hampers Himachal eco-tourism push; government extends tender deadline to May 16


Mandi/Shimla: Himachal Pradesh’s ambitious initiative to boost eco-tourism by opening 77 pristine locations for public-private participation has received a tepid response, compelling the government to extend the tender submission deadline from May 5 to 16, 2025.


The project, led by the Ecotourism Society of Himachal Pradesh (HPECOSOC) under the Forest Department, aims to develop selected nature-rich sites across the state to promote sustainable tourism, generate rural employment and increase state revenue.


However, despite its scope, the initiative failed to attract sufficient bids initially, with only seven applications received by the original deadline
Among the sites identified, Mandi district alone features 20 locations, with 17 in the scenic Seraj valley, an area known for its untouched beauty and potential for adventure and nature tourism.


Officials have confirmed that the revised schedule includes:
• Bid submission deadline: May 16, 2025 (by 5 pm)
• Technical bids opening: May 19-20, 2025
• Financial bids opening: May 22, 2025
All openings will take place at the Forest Headquarters in Shimla.

Promotion failure blamed for weak response

Former Milkfed Chairman and senior Congress leader Chet Ram Thakur, speaking from Mandi, attributed the poor participation to lack of nationwide publicity.
“Such a golden opportunity should have been highlighted more effectively across national platforms. Eco-tourism operators across India, who eagerly wait for such projects, seem to have missed this one purely due to weak communication,” he stated.


He appealed to the departments concerned to step up promotional efforts and issue wider notifications across India, enabling serious tourism businesses to explore and invest in these Himalayan sites.
“This is not just an opportunity for investors but also a potential livelihood boost for local communities,” he said.

Local bidders encouraged

To increase local involvement, the Forest Department has offered relaxed eligibility criteria for bonafide Himachali bidders, including lower net worth requirements. Interested parties can access the complete tender documents on the official EcoTourism website and the HP eProcurement portal.


As per the Himachal Pradesh Budget 2024-25, the state aims to generate over Rs 200 crore in eco-tourism revenue over five years. This initiative is a cornerstone of the government’s revised Eco-Tourism Policy (2024), which emphasises minimal environmental impact while promoting adventure, culture, and wellness-based tourism in forested and remote areas.

Munish Sood

MUNISH SOOD

MUNISH SOOD

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *