Himachal Pradesh Extends Eco-Tourism Tender Deadline Amid Low Participation

Himachal Pradesh's Eco-Tourism Initiative Faces Challenges

In a bid to enhance eco-tourism, Himachal Pradesh has unveiled plans to open 77 pristine sites for public-private partnerships. However, the initiative has not garnered the expected interest, prompting the state government to push back the tender submission deadline from May 5 to May 16, 2025.

The project, spearheaded by the Ecotourism Society of Himachal Pradesh (HPECOSOC) under the Forest Department, seeks to develop nature-rich locations throughout the state. The goal is to foster sustainable tourism, create rural job opportunities, and boost state revenue.

Despite its ambitious scope, the initiative initially attracted only seven bids by the original deadline. Among the identified sites, Mandi district boasts 20 locations, with 17 situated in the picturesque Seraj valley, renowned for its unspoiled beauty and potential for adventure tourism.

Revised Tender Schedule Announced

Officials have confirmed the updated timeline for the tender process, which includes the following key dates:
• Bid submission deadline: May 16, 2025 (by 5 pm)
• Technical bids opening: May 19-20, 2025
• Financial bids opening: May 22, 2025
All proceedings will occur at the Forest Headquarters in Shimla.

Lack of Promotion Cited as a Key Issue

Chet Ram Thakur, a senior Congress leader and former Milkfed Chairman, expressed concerns regarding the low participation, attributing it to insufficient national publicity. He emphasized that such a valuable opportunity should have been more prominently featured across various platforms. Thakur noted that eco-tourism operators nationwide, who are keen on such projects, may have overlooked this one due to inadequate communication.

He urged relevant departments to enhance promotional efforts and disseminate broader notifications throughout India, allowing serious tourism businesses to consider investing in these Himalayan locations. Thakur highlighted that this initiative not only presents an investment opportunity but also has the potential to improve livelihoods for local communities.

Encouraging Local Participation

To foster local engagement, the Forest Department has introduced relaxed eligibility criteria for genuine Himachali bidders, including reduced net worth requirements. Interested parties can find the complete tender documents on the official EcoTourism website and the HP eProcurement portal.

According to the Himachal Pradesh Budget for 2024-25, the state aims to generate over Rs 200 crore in eco-tourism revenue over the next five years. This initiative is a fundamental aspect of the government's revised Eco-Tourism Policy (2024), which prioritizes minimal environmental impact while promoting adventure, cultural, and wellness tourism in forested and remote regions.