Kullu, November 21 (IANS). Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered the closure of 18 loss-making hotels of the State Tourism Development Corporation. The opposition BJP has alleged that Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu’s government deliberately made these hotels appear in loss so that they could be handed over to private hands.
The High Court has ordered the closure of 18 hotels of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, including five major hotels of Kullu district. If these hotels are closed, not only will the tourism business suffer a major blow but the employment of hundreds of local people will also be in danger.
Local resident D.R. Gautam and Danvendra Singh expressed concern over the decision, saying that government policies and governance failure were the main reasons for hotels’ losses. These hotels are running in loss only because of poor management. The government should manage these hotels properly so that tourism is promoted and the employment of hundreds of people is also protected. If in future the government hands them over to private hands, then they will also earn profits by running them well. In such a situation, how can the government suffer loss?
BJP leader Narottam Thakur said that the present government is running in loss. The government has not been able to present its position properly. Thousands of tourists come here. Good income is also generated every year due to the arrival of tourists. Despite this, how can these hotels run in loss? These hotels have been deliberately shown in loss so that they can be handed over to private hands.
He said, “I believe that the government should immediately take some concrete steps to bring the hotels out of losses. If these hotels are closed, it will not only affect the economy of the state but will also have a deep impact on the lives of the local people. The government should take immediate action in this direction so that the tourism industry of Himachal can become more prosperous.
Actually, the hotels located in Manali and Naggar are very important from tourism point of view. Naggar Castle is a historical heritage which was built by Raja Siddhi Singh in the 16th century. Its specialty is that it was constructed without iron nails. This fort is not only a hotel but also a living example of local history and culture.
The architecture and strength of this place attracts tourists a lot. Naggar Castle is a confluence of history and tourism of Himachal Pradesh. This fort, built in the 16th century, remained unshakable even in the earthquake of 1905. Later it was purchased by the British and converted into a summer court. Presently it is under the government. Dozens of Bollywood films have been shot here and it is a major center of attraction for tourists from India and abroad.
–IANS
AKS/AKJ
