Subhash Mahajan
Chamba
Hotels are deserted, taxi operators are drowning in debt, and local markets wear a ghostly silence. The tourism-driven economy of Dalhousie, Banikhet, and surrounding areas is reeling under an unprecedented crisis in 2025. Hotel owners, taxi drivers, shopkeepers, and small traders are facing severe financial distress, with thousands of families struggling to make ends meet.
Three major blows have crippled the region this year. First, the India-Pakistan conflict in May (Operation Sindoor) created nationwide fear and uncertainty, drastically reducing tourist footfall. Then came a near-absent June tourism season. Finally, the devastating monsoon disaster in July–August—marked by relentless rains and landslides—severely damaged road connectivity and further discouraged visitors.
In this difficult time, Congress worker Manish Sareen from the Dalhousie Assembly constituency has stepped forward in solidarity with affected communities. He assured that he and his team will soon present these concerns directly to RS Bali, Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), and will fully support his leadership.
“Dalhousie and Banikhet are going through an extremely tough phase,” Sareen said. “Hotels are empty, taxi operators are buried in loans, and shopkeepers are struggling for daily survival. This is not just an economic crisis—it’s a question of livelihood for thousands of families. I am confident that under RS Bali’s leadership, Dalhousie will receive a concrete relief package. My team and I stand firmly with him, and together we will help Dalhousie recover.”
Sareen highlighted RS Bali’s consistent commitment to addressing tourism-related challenges and expressed hope that the state government and HPTDC will soon roll out a comprehensive relief package. Proposed measures include tax and fee waivers, loan relief, electricity bill deferments, fuel subsidies for taxi drivers, and rent/utility support for small traders. A robust promotional campaign to revive tourism is also on the cards.
“Dalhousie is the crown jewel of Himachal,” Sareen added. “Under RS Bali’s leadership, this region will rise again and attract tourists from across India and abroad. My team and I are fully committed to ensuring that Dalhousie’s people receive timely and effective relief.”
