History and Geography
Himachal situated in the heart of the Western Himalaya, identified as "Dev
Bhumi" is believed to be the abode of Gods and Goddesses. The entire State
is punctuated with stone as well as wood temples. The rich culture and traditions
has made Himachal unique in itself. The shadowy valleys, rugged crags, glaciers
and gigantic pines and roaring rivers and exquisite flora and fauna compose the
symphony that is for ever Himachal.
Himachal Pradesh came into being as a Union Territory in April 1948 as a result
of integration of 30 princely states spread over 27,000 sq.km. In 1954, when another
"C" class state of Bilaspur merged in Himachal Pradesh, its area increased
to 28,241 sq.km. The position remained unchanged till 1966. On reorganisation of
the State, the hilly areas of Punjab were merged with the State, increasing its
size to 55,673 sq.km. Himachal Pradesh, today is quoted as a successful model of
not only hill area development but also for having realised development in education,
health and social services.
Horticulture
Nature has endowed Himachal Pradesh with a wide range of agro-climatic conditions
which have helped the farmers to cultivate large varieties of fruits ranging from
temperate to sub-tropical. The main fruits under cultivation are apple, pear, peach,
plum, apricot nut and citrus fruits like mango, litchi, guava and strawberry. The
total area under fruits, which was only 792 hectares in 1950, has increased to 2.23
lakh hectares now. Similarly, the fruit production has also increased from 1200
MT in 1950 to 6.95 lakh tonnes in 2007 seven lakh tonnes is the new target fixed
for fruit production for year 2006-07. Horticulture generates gross domestic income
of about Rs. 2200 crore annually.
The Horticulture Technology Mission for the integrated development of horticulture
is being implemented with a total outlay of Rs. 80 crore during the tenth five-year
plan period. This Mission is based on the "end to end approach" taking
into account the entire gamut of horticulture development with all backward and
forward linkages in a holistic manner. Under this scheme, four centres of excellence
are being created in different Agro-Climatic Zones with common facilities like water
harvesting, vermicompost, greenhouses, organic farming and farm mechanisation.
Roads
Roads are the lifelines and major means of communication in the predominantly hill
State of Himachal Pradesh. Out of its 55,673 sq. km area, 36,700 km is inhabited
out which 16,807 inhabited villages are scattered over slopes of numerous hill ranges
and valleys. Realising the importance of construction of roads for connecting production
areas with market centres, Himachal Pradesh Government has decided to connect every
panchayat with roads in the next two years. When the Pradesh came into existence
in 1948 there were 288 km. of roads. This number had gone up to 30,264 km by 15
August 2007.
Bio-Technology
Keeping in view the importance of bio-technology, special emphasis is being laid
on exploiting the vast bio-technology potential available in the state. A separate
Department of Bio-technology has been set up in the state. State's own bio-technology
policy has been formulated. All bio-technological units are entitled for incentives
which have been allowed for industrial units. The State Government proposes to set
up Bio-Technology Park in Solan District.
Irrigation and Water Supply
Net sown area in the State was 5.83 lakh hectares till 2007.Villages have been provided
with the facility of drinking water. Over 14,611 hand pumps have been installed
in the State so far. For better reform in water supply and irrigation sector, the
State Government has taken up a WASH
project with the total cost of Rs. 339 crore for irrigation as well as for drinking
water supply schemes with
GTZ.
Tourism
Tourism Industry in Himachal Pradesh has been given very high priority and the Government
has developed an appropriate infrastructure for its development which includes provision
of public utility services, roads, communication network, airports, transport facilities,
water supply and civic amenities, etc. The State Government is poised to transform
the State into "A Destination for All Seasons and All Reasons". The State
Tourism Development Corporation contributes 10 per cent to the State exchequer.
The corporation contributes more than Rs. 2.00 crore per annum by way of Sales tax,
luxury tax and passenger tax. In the year-2007, tourist arrivals in the State were
8.3 million of which 2008 lakh were foreigners.
The State has a rich treasure of places of pilgrimage and of anthropological value.
The State has also the pride of being the home to Rishies like Vyas, Parashar, Vashist,
Markandey and Lamas, etc. Hot water springs, historic forts, natural and man-made
lakes, shepherds grazing their flock are sources of immense pleasure and joy to
the tourist.
The State Government is aiming at promoting sustainable tourism, encouraging private
sector to develop tourism related infrastructure in the State without disturbing
the existing ecology and environment. The main thrust is on employment generation
and promoting new concepts of tourism in the State. In order to increase the duration
of the stay of the visitors/tourists, a special emphasis is being laid on the development
of activities-based on tourism.
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