Himachal CM Launches Home Stay Portal, Sets 31% Green Cover Target by 2030
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday unveiled a dedicated home stay registration portal, homestay.hp.gov.in, marking a significant advancement in streamlining tourism services and bolstering government support for the hospitality sector. This initiative coincides with ambitious environmental goals, as the CM directed officials to prepare a comprehensive roadmap to elevate the state's forest cover from the current 29.5% to 31% by 2030.
Digital Transformation for Home Stay Operators
The newly launched online platform enables home stay operators to register and renew their units digitally, effectively reducing procedural hurdles and enhancing the ease of doing business. In a move to prevent operational disruptions, Sukhu instructed the Tourism Department to issue provisional renewal registrations in cases where Fire Safety Certificates or No Objection Certificates are pending, ensuring that businesses can continue without harassment.
Boosting Rural and Urban Tourism
Highlighting tourism as a major driver of self-employment, Sukhu emphasized that the Home Stay Scheme plays a crucial role in promoting rural tourism and showcasing lesser-known destinations. The government is expanding this scheme to urban areas, now permitting the registration of home stays with up to six rooms. According to the CM, home stays offer tourists an authentic experience of local culture, architecture, and traditional cuisine, while simultaneously enhancing the income of local families.
Additionally, Sukhu referenced the state's interest subsidy scheme, under which tourism units are eligible for subsidies of 3% in urban areas, 4% in rural areas, and 5% in tribal regions, further incentivizing growth in the sector.
Environmental Conservation Efforts
In a separate review meeting of the Forest Department, the Chief Minister stressed the impact of global warming and called for a planned plantation drive focusing on native, fruit-bearing, and medicinal species. He reviewed the progress of the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana, announcing that the state will undertake plantations over 5,000 hectares in the next financial year with active community participation.
This dual focus on tourism development and environmental sustainability underscores Himachal Pradesh's commitment to balanced growth, aiming to boost economic opportunities while preserving its natural heritage for future generations.
