Shimla, December 24
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday inaugurated the Shimla Winter Carnival at the historic Ridge, marking the start of a vibrant celebration of Himachal Pradesh’s culture and tourism. The event, organised by the Shimla Municipal Corporation, opened with a colourful cultural parade featuring folk troupes from all districts.
The Chief Minister also visited a painting exhibition at the Gaiety Theatre, witnessed the Maha Nati performance, and attended the Home Guards Inter-Battalion Band Competition held near the Town Hall. Congratulating the organisers, he extended best wishes for the successful conduct of the carnival, themed ‘Drug-Free Himachal’.
Welcoming tourists, Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh’s serene, pollution-free environment offers not only recreation but also promotes health and wellbeing. He interacted with visitors and assured them of a safe and comfortable stay during the festive season.
The Chief Minister highlighted that Himachal’s natural beauty and cultural diversity draw crores of tourists annually. He said the State Government is improving basic tourism infrastructure while promoting local heritage and eco-tourism. Along with Shimla, a similar winter carnival is also being organised in Dharamshala.
Emphasising tourism’s role in boosting the local economy, Sukhu said that a revised Eco-Tourism Policy has been introduced, under which 11 eco-tourism sites have already been allotted and 27 more are in the final stages. From 2023 to November 2025, eco-tourism activities have generated ₹6 crore in revenue.
To promote home-stays, the government has launched an interest subsidy scheme and an online registration portal, while a Tourism Investment Promotion Council has been set up to encourage investors in the tourism sector.
The inaugural event was attended by Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh, Secretary AICC Vidit Chaudhary, MLAs Harish Janartha and Vivek Sharma, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, senior police and administrative officers, and several dignitaries.
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