Himachal Pradesh is inviting private partners to manage 27 eco-tourism sites, aiming to promote professionally managed tourism while adhering to strict environmental standards.
The government had initially listed 77 sites, but only 27 have been short-listed and readvertised under the operation-maintenance-design model in line with the Himachal Pradesh State Eco Policy, 2024. Each operator will be allotted a maximum of one hectare per site, restricted to eco-friendly activities. The lease period is set at 10 years, extendable by a further five years based on performance. Permanent construction will not be permitted.
Ten locations in Kangra district are included, among them Triund‑1 and Dharamkot, which have already attracted private interest. Fresh bidding has now begun for Triund‑2, Triund‑3, Bir-Billing, Khabru Waterfall, Kareri hostel site, Saurabh Van Vihar, Multhan, and Neugal.
The reserve price for all 27 sites has been fixed at ₹1.40 crore. Triund‑2, Triund‑3, and Bir-Billing carry the highest base price of ₹40 lakh each, followed by Boh Khabru and Kareri hostel sites at ₹30 lakh, and Saurabh Van Vihar and Alha camping at ₹25 lakh. Smaller projects, including Nature Park Banikhet and Shaheed Ashok Kumar Jot Park, are priced between ₹20 lakh and ₹10 lakh.
To encourage local participation, eligibility norms have been relaxed for bidders from Himachal Pradesh. Bidders from within the state require a minimum annual turnover of ₹1 crore, compared with ₹3 crore for applicants from outside the state. According to Divisional Forest Officer Rahul of Dharamsala, applications remain open until September 26. A pre-bid meeting will be held in hybrid mode to address queries from interested bidders.
Officials emphasize that the framework is designed to balance tourism with ecological care. With no permanent structures allowed, the focus will remain on eco-friendly facilities that complement the natural environment. For local communities, the initiative could create new livelihood options; for operators, it opens a market where demand for sustainable travel is steadily rising.
