Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth consecutive budget in Parliament. In this budget, Finance Minister Sitharaman announced that mountain trails will be developed in Himachal Pradesh. Mountain trails are paths or tracks built in hilly or forested areas, primarily used for trekking, mountain biking and adventure activities.
The announcement is significant for the tourism-dependent state. Mountain trails will promote tourism in Himachal Pradesh. Long trekking routes will be included in this. The Himachal Pradesh government will send a proposal in this regard. After this, approval and budget will be sanctioned by the central government. After the budget comes, selected treks will be developed.
The longest trek in Himachal Pradesh is in Pin Parvati valley. This 110-kilometer long trek starts from Manikaran and goes to Lahaul valley. Parvati Pass is the most dangerous in this. Its height is up to 5400 meters.
The Dhauladhar range in Kangra district has the maximum 17 trekking routes. There are trekking routes from Dharkandi in Shahpur to Bara Bhangal in the Dhauladhar hills. Of these, five are risky, three are less risky, while nine are easy trekking routes.
Easy trekking routes in Kangra district include Naddi-Kareri via Rawa one day, Satowari Ghera-Kareri one day, Boh-Khabru via Chanderla-Darkund one day, Indrunag-Bhangrot Karthani-Triund two days, Utrala-Jalsu two days, Billing-Rajgundha-Lohari-Jwara two to three days, Sari Pass Beed-Billing-Rajgundha one day, Khadauta-Thatharna one day, Naddi-Guna Temple one day.
Less risky trek routes include Kareri Lake via Baleni Pass Minkani-Mahla four to five days, Jadrangal-Kardiana-Bhount Himani Chamunda two days, Gaj Pass Ghera-Bonthu four days. Besides, risky treks include Tang Narwana-Khetal Alud-Himani Chamunda Birds Paradise three to four days, Jiya Supdhar-Talang Lake three days, Rajgundha-Thamsar-Bara Bhangal six to seven days, Galu-Dharmkot-Holi-Manimahesh six days, Seven Lake Dhauladhar Range five to seven days.
However, the 16th Finance Commission has not recommended giving RDG grant to small states including Himachal Pradesh. This will cause a loss of Rs 40,000 crore to Himachal Pradesh. After this grant stops, a difficult situation has arisen for all small states including Himachal Pradesh. In the 15th Finance Commission, Himachal Pradesh had received assistance of Rs 35-40 thousand crore.
