As June arrives, tourism in Himachal Pradesh transforms into a flood of visitors, and traffic grinds into helpless gridlock. While record-breaking tourist footfalls may serve as a proud statistic, the crowd surrounding the Atal Tunnel paints a stark picture of the daily struggle facing the state’s tourism sector. Tourism can still be improved — but the ordeal of the tourists often outweighs everything else.
From Kasauli and Dalhousie to McLeodganj, Shimla, and Manali, long, exhausting traffic jams define the tourist experience. Himachal may seem to be in motion, but the condition of the roads is troubling. One measure of this is the Atal Tunnel itself, which has witnessed over two lakh vehicles pass through in just two months. But has anyone considered how many traffic personnel are needed to manage this flow? Isn't it time we seriously implement the concept of a dedicated tourism police force?
Meanwhile, basic traffic patrolling arrangements must at least safeguard this peak season. The difference between tourism last year and this year lies not only in the volume of tourists but also in the need for improved facilities and hospitality. Even a simple upgrade in facilities along the Manali–Atal Tunnel route could reduce chaos and improve the tourist experience — especially for senior citizens and children, who make up a significant proportion of the visitors.
Has Himachal taken any steps specifically for these vulnerable tourist groups? And if the number of young tourists exceeds a certain threshold, what measures are in place to mitigate potential risks? The current situation in Kashmir has given Himachal a golden opportunity to become a viable alternative. The state’s natural beauty offers many safe and serene spots comparable to Pahalgam and Gulmarg. Lakes, waterfalls, agro-tourism, and biodiversity are abundant. Yet places like Renuka Lake, drying Khajjiar, and the fate of Dal Lake in Dharamshala reveal the neglect that plagues even our most treasured landscapes.
Snow-laden peaks abound here, yet tourism planning remains mostly confined to ministerial offices and legislative discussions. In the past three decades, many tourism sites have turned into ruins — a stark reminder of the gap between potential and reality.
Our heritage is rich. Take Chamba — what value has its thousand-year-old legacy added to the tourism narrative? Why do Sujanpur, the ancient Kangra Fort, Masroor Temple, and heritage villages like Garli and Pragpur remain footnotes in the tourism story? How long will we continue selling just the Mall Roads of Shimla and Manali, or the squares of McLeodganj and Dalhousie?
Where is the Department of Art and Culture? What are our museums doing? What programs involving Himachali artists are being launched at major tourist sites? Are cultural festivals being organized in auditoriums built from the Language Department’s funds? While a few new festivals have been introduced, they seem to be more about political theatrics than cultural celebration, with outside artists headlining shows for political mileage.
If we want tourists to extend their stay, we must also extend their experiences. Concepts like zoological parks in forest regions, boating in Pong, Gobind Sagar, or Kol Dam, are capable of inviting large-scale tourism. But for meaningful engagement, we must establish amusement parks, cultural hubs, Himachali bazaars, and science museums at key tourist destinations.
Manali must offer more than just its crowded Mall Road. It must also offer moments of peace. What steps have we taken to showcase the chirping of Himalayan birds or the vibrant flutter of butterflies? If every tourist town had at least one open park or green space, evenings would be more peaceful — extending both the stay and the satisfaction of tourists.
If the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium can boost tourism, then why can’t our hydel projects also become points of interest? Villages near places like Nagrota Surian could be developed into fishing hamlets, combining eco-tourism with local livelihood.
Himachal’s tourism must move beyond the overused and overcrowded. It must reinvent itself — not just to attract visitors, but to enrich their experience.