Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Saturday (April 5) that around 450 Forest Department rest houses spread across the state can be utilised to promote eco-tourism. Speaking virtually while laying the foundation stone for a new forest rest house to be built at Sara Gadakufar in Theog, Shimla district, at a cost of ₹1.60 crore, Sukhu highlighted the region's significant potential for eco-tourism.
He remarked that Sara Gadakufar attracts large number of tourists each year due to its untouched natural beauty. The Chief Minister pointed out that, despite the region's vast tourism appeal, there were no rest houses within a 25-kilometre radius. While several prominent temples draw visitors, there is a lack of adequate accommodation for pilgrims and tourists. He emphasised that the new forest rest house would help boost tourism once it is completed, PTI reported.