CM Sukhu inaugurated the Manali Winter Carnival 2026 today, marking the event by flagging off nearly 300 colourful tableaux showcasing development initiatives of various government departments.
During the occasion, the Chief Minister announced the development of a Rs. 250-crore riverfront project in Manali aimed at promoting tourism. He also unveiled other key initiatives, including the construction of five additional rooms in the new Circuit House, installation of protective walls at seven flood-prone locations, a Rs. 2-crore parking facility in Old Manali, and financial aid of Rs. 25 lakh each to Solang and Karal villages for landslide prevention.
Highlighting Himachal Pradesh’s appeal, CM Sukhu said the state attracts tourists from across the country and abroad due to its natural beauty, cultural diversity, historical heritage, and tradition of warm hospitality. He emphasized that the government encourages grand events like the Winter Carnival to create memorable experiences for visitors.
The Chief Minister stressed that tourism is a key pillar of the state economy. To establish Himachal Pradesh as a global hub for nature, adventure, spiritual, wellness, and religious tourism, the government is developing Green Himachal Biodiversity Parks and riverside parks in both urban and rural areas. He also highlighted the implementation of a new eco-tourism policy, under which 11 sites have been allotted by November 2025, with 27 more in the final stages of allotment. These efforts not only boost tourism but also promote local self-employment.
To promote adventure tourism, 245 trekking routes have been identified, and a mobile application is being developed for tourists’ convenience. Ropeway projects are being fast-tracked with environmental conservation in mind. The Chief Minister also announced amendments to promote home stay tourism, including an interest subsidy scheme for investments up to Rs. 5 crore and an online registration portal.
Infrastructure for tourism is also being expanded. Priority is being given to 16 new heliports to connect all district headquarters, with nine already in development at locations including Manali, Palampur, Jispa, and Lahaul-Spiti. The Kangra Airport expansion is also underway. CM Sukhu stated that Kangra district is being developed as the state’s tourism capital, with a Rs. 619-crore zoological park under construction at Bankhandi and the state’s first skywalk bridge planned at Hassan Valley, Kufri.
The government is exploring horticulture tourism, developing large orchards and clusters as part of rural tourism. Adventure tourism is being promoted through luxury and adventure activities in reservoirs, including cruise services, shikara boats, houseboats, jet skis, and water scooters at Govind Sagar Lake, with plans to expand to other reservoirs. Border tourism has been initiated at Shipki-La in Kinnaur, with infrastructure development planned in other border areas.
CM Sukhu emphasized that all tourism development would be environmentally sustainable, preserving the state’s natural resources and heritage.
MLA Bhuvneshwar Gaur thanked the Chief Minister for allocating funds for development and flood control, noting that projects worth Rs. 500 crore have been undertaken in Manali alone. Deputy Commissioner Torul S. Ravish welcomed the Chief Minister and provided details of the activities planned for the Winter Carnival.
