Shimla, Apr 24 (UNI) To allay fears among tourists in the wake of Pahalgam massacre, the ITBP may play a role of tourist-friendly force in forward posts along India-Tibet border, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu said here on Thursday.
"We are planning to promote forward tourist destinations in Kinnaur district with the active support of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)," Sukhu told media after a meeting with ITBP’s Frontier Commander Sanjay Gunjyal at the state secretariat.
The meeting focused on transforming forward regions such as Chitkul, Sangla Valley, Kaurik, and Nako into adventure and cultural tourism hotspots, while also ensuring visitor safety through ITBP infrastructure and personnel.
Speaking to media after the meeting, the Chief Minister said, “We are working to open up forward areas to tourism by leveraging ITBP's presence and infrastructure. This includes utilizing ITBP helipads, medical facilities, and routes for tourism and emergency services.”
He emphasized that coordination with ITBP’s regional response centers will enhance disaster preparedness and security in high-altitude regions. “Tourists will soon be able to explore destinations previously out of reach, under a safe and structured model supported by our brave border forces,” he added.
The discussions also touched upon strengthening the rural economy in border villages by enabling ITBP to procure local produce such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy directly from farmers and orchardists. This initiative is expected to create local employment and support agri-based tourism ventures.
Commander Gunjyal informed the Chief Minister about progress on three new roads under the Virbent Village Development Programme, including proposed connectivity to forward posts in Sangla and Kaurik. He also shared details about 15 additional road projects intended to improve access to remote and strategically important areas.
Chief Minister Sukhu instructed state officials to expedite the installation of communication towers and complete all formalities for upcoming construction work, giving priority to local contractors and workers.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri (virtually), Himfed Chairman Buddhi Singh Thakur, ITBP DIG Pawan Kumar Negi, and other senior officers were present at the meeting.
In view of increasing tourist inflow and recent security concerns, the Chief Minister also discussed the possibility of deploying Central paramilitary forces at key tourist sites like Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie, and McLeodganj.
UNI ML PRS