Shimla, Aug 14,
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has announced the development of a historic 100-year-old heritage ice skating rink in Shimla originally constructed in 1920 by British national Blessington. As part of broader efforts to boost tourism, the state plans to construct an ice and roller skating rink in Shimla with an investment of ₹34.85 crore. This was disclosed during a recent meeting of the Tourism Department, where the Chief Minister shared that tenders have been invited for this project, along with 10 other initiatives. The combined outlay for these 11 projects is ₹696.47 crore.
“Tourism plays a vital role in our economy, supporting the livelihoods of countless families, both directly and indirectly,” said the Chief Minister. He emphasized the importance of enhancing the overall tourism experience in Himachal Pradesh by developing new infrastructure.
The new skating facility in Shimla is set to feature a state-of-the-art refrigeration plant to maintain ice year-round, ensuring that both participants and tourists can enjoy continuous ice-skating. Additional amenities will include changing rooms, a roller rink, a restaurant, a conference hall, and a surveillance system, all designed to meet international standards. The project, funded by the Asian Development Bank, is estimated to cost ₹35 crore.
Initially designed as a tennis court, the rink was converted into an ice skating venue due to Shimla’s winter snow and optimal temperature range. Over the past 104 years, it has evolved into a beloved winter holiday destination for children. However, with increasing urbanization, the period suitable for ice skating in Shimla has drastically reduced, leading to calls for modernization over the past 20 years.
Also read: https://himachalscape.com/shimlas-historic-ice-rink-to-transform-into-year-round-skating-hub-with-adb-funding/
Other notable projects discussed at the meeting include the construction of a Convention Centre in Dharamshala with a budget of ₹161.91 crore, and the beautification of Palampur and Nagrota Bagwan, which will be carried out at a cost of ₹95.50 crore. A wellness center in Nadaun is also planned, with an outlay of ₹91.42 crore, while tourist facilities at Baba Balaknath Deothsidh in Hamirpur district will be developed for ₹65.32 crore. Additionally, a rafting complex at Nadaun is set to be developed with a budget of ₹64 crore, and a wellness center at Banuti in Shimla district will be constructed at a cost of ₹58.37 crore. Other projects include the development of a wellness center in Manali with a budget of ₹45.25 crore, the construction of an ice and roller skating rink in Dharamshala for ₹39.51 crore, and the creation of a wellness center in Kullu with an outlay of ₹27.76 crore. The restoration of Naggar Castle in Kullu district is also on the agenda, with a budget of ₹11.57 crore allocated for the project.
The state government has also declared Kangra district as the Tourism Capital of Himachal Pradesh, with significant investments being made to develop necessary tourism infrastructure. The Pong Dam area is set to be transformed into a world-class ‘birders’ paradise’ and a national center for excellence in water sports.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister urged officials to expedite the completion of these projects within the stipulated timelines. He also highlighted that the number of tourists visiting Himachal Pradesh has surged, with 1.13 crore visitors recorded by July 2024.
The meeting was attended by several key officials, including Vice Chairman of the H.P. Tourism Development Board R.S. Bali, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sunder Singh Thakur, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Director of Tourism Mansi Sahay, and Managing Director of HPTDC Rajiv Kumar.
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