Dated 28-10-2026 Place: Shimla
The 19th meeting of the Executive Committee of the Himachal Pradesh Ecotourism Society (HPECOSOC) was held today at the Secretariat under the chairmanship of Smt. M. Sudha Devi, Principal Secretary (Forests).
CEO HP ECOSOC Sh K Thirumal Presented the agendas of the meeting. The various agenda items concerning the promotion of eco-tourism in the state, the introduction of new initiatives, the creation of employment and livelihood opportunities for local communities, revenue sharing mechanism for funding agencies etc were discussed in detail. The Chairperson issued directions to strengthen eco-tourism activities and encourage greater participation of local communities in the sector.During the meeting, the proposal for the allotment of nine eco-tourism sites under Phase-V was considered after Cabinet approval of the prices offered by the H1 Bidders.
The nine sites presented for allotment include Sourav Van Vihar in Palampur Forest Division; Dhauladhar Biodiversity Park, Narwana, in Dharamshala Forest Division; Shali Tibba in Shimla Forest Division; Jalori Pass in Ani Forest Division; Shaheed Ashok Kumar Jot Nature Park in Dalhousie Forest Division; R-31, Barog; Camping Site R-33 C1, Gulhari-Motikuna; Swarnim Vatika Shamlech Nature Park; and Camping Site R-55, Mashobra, in Kasauli, under the respective forest divisions and circles.The Committee also discussed introduction of two categories of Eco-Club membership under the Eco-Tourism Policy. The proposed membership scheme includes a 20-year lifetime membership, called the ‘Snow Leopard Card’, priced at ₹2 lakh, and a one-year membership, called the ‘Rhododendron Card’, priced at ₹10,000. The Snow Leopard Card would provide free accommodation at all eco-tourism assets managed by the Society, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.In the meeting Sh. Vijay kumar (Dy.Secretary Forest), Alok Prem Nagar (PCCF cum WL Warden), Sh. Abhilash Damodaran (CCF), CF Rampur, Sh.Raman Sharma (CF CAMPA), Sh. Amit Sharma (DFO Dharamshala), Sh. Aniket Wanve (DCF Shimla Rural), DFO Banjar, DFO Solan, Dr. Saroj Verma (DFO Publicity & Ecotourism), HP Tourism officials and other officials were also present.
