The government of Himachal Pradesh has generated approximately Rs 76.97 lakh (Rs 76,96,173) from various tourist and eco-tourism sites in Kullu over the last three years.
Key eco-tourism and tourist locations include the Jibhi waterfall in Tirthan Valley, the Sojha Eco-Tourism Site in Seraj Valley, the Nature Learning Centre in Shairopa located within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), Shamshi in Kullu, and various sites in the Seraj Forest Division.
Significant revenue sources include the Jibhi waterfall, which contributed Rs 10.40 lakh in 2022-23, Rs 7.35 lakh in 2023-24, Rs 18.82 lakh in 2024-25, and Rs 16.16 lakh in 2025-26. The Nature Learning Centre at Shairopa added Rs 3.11 lakh for the period 2022-24 and Rs 1.03 lakh for 2024-26, while the Sojha Eco-Tourism Site alone brought in Rs 20.07 lakh in 2025-26.
During the recent Budget Session on April 2, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who is also responsible for the Forest, Environment, and Science & Technology portfolios, provided this information in response to a query from BJP Banjar MLA Surinder Shourie regarding total revenue from these tourist and eco-tourism locations and their expenditures.
Sukhu detailed the entry fees for these attractions, stating that the Jibhi waterfall charges Rs 10 for children, Rs 20 for adults, and Rs 50 for international visitors; Kullu-Tandi charges Rs 20 for children, Rs 30 for adults, and Rs 50 for foreign tourists; and the Nature Learning Centre in Shairopa has fees set at Rs 10 for children and Rs 20 for adults.
These fee structures have been sanctioned by relevant committees, including the Nature Conservation Society, Kullu, and the Biodiversity Conservation Society, based on prior executive resolutions, as noted by the chief minister.
In his written response, Sukhu clarified that there is currently no specific provision for allocating this revenue directly to local panchayats. However, he emphasized that local communities are actively involved in eco-tourism initiatives that provide livelihood opportunities. Eco-Tourism Development Committees at the forest level are also reaping direct benefits, while funds generated from the Nature Learning Centre are being utilized for development, maintenance, research, and awareness activities.
The Sojha Eco-Tourism site, which spans one hectare, operates under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and is currently in the development stage. The operator will set user fees for permitted activities once the site is fully developed.
Out of the total Rs 20.07 lakh generated from this site, Rs 15.50 lakh has been deposited as performance security, and Rs 4.57 lakh has been paid as the initial quarterly installment of the annual concession fee in December 2025, Sukhu reported to the House.
According to the Eco-Tourism Policy of 2024, revenue from these sites is allocated in a specified ratio: 20 percent to the state government, 20 percent to the state-level eco-tourism society, and 60 percent to the relevant forest-level society. These funds support the operation and maintenance of eco-tourism sites, as well as the upkeep of trekking paths and associated infrastructure, the chief minister explained.
The Great Himalayan National Park, established in 1984 in the Banjaar Sub-Division of Kullu district and formally designated as a national park in 1999, spans four valleys and is home to a rich diversity of endemic and exotic plant and animal species.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 for its exceptional contribution to biodiversity conservation, the Great Himalayan National Park protects over 1,000 plant species, including numerous medicinal herbs, along with 31 mammal species and 209 bird species, in addition to various amphibians, reptiles, and insects.
Among its mammal species, four and three bird species are considered globally threatened, including the musk deer and the western horned tragopan.
Saurabh Parashar serves as an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily overseeing the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He brings over 17 years of experience in print journalism, with a focus on crime, legal matters, and investigative reporting.
His academic background includes a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal expertise greatly enhances his reporting on complex judicial and administrative issues.
Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he worked for 12 years at The Times of India.
Parashar’s primary reporting focus encompasses the socio-political dynamics of the hill state, particularly in relation to environmental issues, forest conservation, drug-related challenges, tribal matters, archaeology, and governance challenges in high-altitude areas.
His recent notable articles include investigative pieces addressing the intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh, such as “Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable,” and coverage on environmental impacts related to local infrastructure projects.
