The Himachal Pradesh government has shortlisted 27 eco-tourism sites, including Triund, Bir-Billing, and Kareri, for private operation under Eco Policy 2024. Explore bidding details, eligibility, and eco-friendly development norms.
Introduction
Dharamshala is a town in Kangra district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is also the headquarters of the district. Dharamshala is the winter capital of the state. It is located 16 km from Kangra town. The McLeod Ganj suburb of Dharamshala houses the headquarters of the Central Tibetan Administration, and is therefore the residence of the Dalai Lama and the capital of the Tibetan government-in-exile. Dharamshala has also been selected as one of the hundred Indian cities to be developed as a smart city under the Smart Cities Mission of the Government of India. It is believed that the name of the city is derived from the word Dharamshala.
Dharamsala, Updated on 18.09.2025 As per the decision of the State Government of India to privatize and hand over the operation and maintenance of a total of 27 eco-tourist sites to private operators. Advertisements for this purpose had already been given for 77 sites. But under the Himachal Pradesh Eco Policy 2024, advertisements have been issued again for the selection of these 27 sites under the maintenance, design and model of those sites.
Out of the total 27 eco-sites in Kangra district, Triund-1 and Dharamkot have also been included which have already attracted private operators. Currently, bids are open for a total of eight sites: (1) Triund-2, (2) Bir-Billing, (3) Boh Khabru Falls, (4) Kareri Hostel Site, (5) Saurabh Van Vihar, (6) Multan, (7) Newgal, and (8) Triund-3.
The advertisement provides for granting up to one hectare of land for development to each private operator. The tenure period will be 10 years, which may be extended by another five years for future performance. Importantly, in order to preserve the ecological integrity of these tourist sites, no permanent construction will be permitted.
The bid price for these 27 tourist sites has been set at a combined ₹1.40 crore (₹14 million). Of this, ₹4 million will be spent on Triund-2, Triund-3, and Bir-Billing, while ₹3 million will be spent on the Khabru and Kareri hostel sites in Boh. The price for the Khabru and Kareri hostel sites in Nirghboh has been set at ₹3 million. Saurabh Van Vihar and Alha Camping have a starting price of ₹2.5 million (₹2 million to ₹1 million), while the price for Nature Park Banikhet, Shaheed Ashok Kumar Jot Park, and other sites is lower, ranging from ₹2 million to ₹1 million, depending on location and capacity.
To promote local participation and economic development, the state has relaxed the criteria for Himachali bidders, which could boost local bidders. External bidders are required to have a minimum annual turnover of ₹1 crore (₹10 million) and a minimum annual turnover of ₹3 crore (₹30 million). Dharamshala Divisional Forest Officer Rahul said that the application will remain open until September 26. Pre-bid meetings are scheduled for both online and offline formats for any type of wal-jawal. article source from tribuneindia
FAQ’s
Q1. How many eco-tourism sites have been shortlisted in Himachal Pradesh under the 2024 policy?
A total of 27 eco-tourism sites have been shortlisted, out of the initially advertised 77 sites.
Q2. Which popular destinations are included in the eco-tourism sites list?
Popular sites include Triund-1, Triund-2, Triund-3, Dharamkot, Bir-Billing, Boh’s Khabru Waterfall, Kareri hostel site, Saurabh Van Vihar, Multhan, and Neugal.
Q3. What is the tenure for private operators managing these eco-tourism sites?
The tenure is 10 years, extendable by 5 years based on performance and compliance.
Q4. Are permanent constructions allowed in these eco-tourism sites?
No, permanent construction is strictly prohibited to preserve the ecological balance of these sites. Only eco-friendly development is permitted.
Q5. What are the bidding requirements for local Himachali bidders?
For Himachali bidders, the eligibility requirement is a minimum annual turnover of ₹1 crore, compared to ₹3 crore for bidders from outside the state.
Q6. What is the total base price for all 27 sites?
The collective base bidding price is ₹1.40 crore, with individual sites ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹40 lakh depending on location and potential.