SHIMLA:Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, said that the state government would welcome the investment in the tourism sector of the state which could help create quality infrastructure to cater to the requirements of the high end tourists visiting the state. He was speaking to the high level delegation of the ASCOT Hotels and Resorts Limited, coming forward with its proposal to construct a high class luxury resort near Kasauli in district Solan, here last evening.

Chief Minister said that Kasauli was a historical town and certain rules and regulations were in vogue to regulate development and constructions in the Kasauli area for which the state government had framed a Development Plan for Kasauli Planning area. He said that the provisions therein would be required to be adhered to by the executors of the project so that the glory of the hill station was upheld. He said that the state government would not permit any project harming the ecology of the area and only eco-friendly and people friendly projects were being encouraged for setting up in the state. He said that state government was keen to promote such high end facility tourist projects at different places all over the state which fit into the eligibility criteria of the state government and protect the interests of the people and state.

Prof. Dhumal said that attractive relief package, rehabilitation of the stakeholders in the area, ecological safeguards and employment to the local youth were the pre-requisites for any company to step into the state. He said that the state had investment friendly environment with best law and order conditions where people from all over the world prefered to spend their holidays. He said that the state government is upgrading its tourism infrastructure in participation with the private players besides air and railway connectivity to the state so that the roads were decongested and convenient approach was available to the visitors to spend their holidays in peace, clean and serene environment. He assured the promoters that the state government would examine the proposal and explore the possibility to sanction the project.