ADB can give Himachal Rs.4 bn for tourism projects

Shimla, Feb 11 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to finance tourism projects in Himachal Pradesh worth Rs.4 billion if the state government comes up with concrete proposals, officials here said Monday.

The top state government officials confirmed the state has been asked to hand over proposals for developing theme-based tourism circuits so that the ADB can release funds for building the necessary infrastructure for these projects.

The state government has already given its nod for developing proposals related to eco-tourism, adventure tourism and pilgrimage tourism in the state, they added.

The ADB is reported to be particularly keen to fund eco-friendly projects, as the fragile ecology in the hill state is a matter of concern.

The ADB has already agreed to fund four major hydropower projects in Himachal Pradesh with a combined capacity of 740 MW.