HP to develop 33 more tourist spots
SHIMLA, Aug 17 — The Himachal government has identified 33 new places in the state for development from tourism point of view.State Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, while inaugurating a Rs 63- lakh hotel of the Himachal Tourism Development Corporation at Swarghat in Bilaspur district last evening, said a lake would soon be developed at Swarghat as a tourist attraction.

ASP placed under suspension
SHIMLA, Aug 18 — An Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police and a constable have been placed under suspension for allegedly beating up some "innocent" persons at Theog, about 32 km from here, on Sunday night.

A tented colony in a cold desert
MANALI: Sarchu, once the halting place for traders, going to Ladakh and Tibet, has now seen vast changes in communications and roads, and has attained the distinction of attracting the maximum foreign and domestic tourists.

Teachers take out procession
HAMIRPUR, Aug 17 — Members of the HP Secondary and Trained Graduate Volunteer Teachers Association took out a procession through the main bazar here today in support of their demand for the regularisation of their services.

HP to develop 33 more tourist spots

SHIMLA, Aug 17 (UNI) — The Himachal government has identified 33 new places in the state for development from tourism point of view.

State Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, while inaugurating a Rs 63- lakh hotel of the Himachal Tourism Development Corporation at Swarghat in Bilaspur district last evening, said a lake would soon be developed at Swarghat as a tourist attraction.

Mr Dhumal said his government was giving special attention to development of tourism in the state keeping in view the vast scope for it. Water sports would be developed in Gobindsagar lake, Pong Dam and Chamera Dam, he added.

The Chief Minister said that religious tourism would be given a big boost and package tours increasingly introduced.

Helicopter services would be provided for tourists visiting tribal areas of Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Pangi and Bharmour. Plans to subsidise fare to Himachal Pradesh on the pattern of northeast states was being taken up with the Centre, he added.

Later addressing a public meeting at Swarghat, the Chief Minister said that 25 cusecs water would be lifted from Anandpur hydro channel so as to bring "economic revolution" in Changer area of Bilaspur district. The Punjab government had agreed to give this water and work for its lifting would soon be taken, he added.

Mr Dhumal said that government was committed to provide transparent and responsive administration to the people and had decided to set up a subordinate services selection board.

He said the government would soon constitute a committee for the selection of water carriers at sub-divisional level so that needy and genuine candidates were selected against these posts.

The Chief Minister said his government would also introduce a crop insurance scheme to cover more crops to benefit the farmers of the state. Rs one crore had been earmarked for giving premium and the farmers would not have to pay any premium for it, he added.

ASP placed under suspension
Tribune News Service

SHIMLA, Aug 18 — An Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police and a constable have been placed under suspension for allegedly beating up some "innocent" persons at Theog, about 32 km from here, on Sunday night.

Reports said the policemen had gone to the bazar to investigate a complaint of eve-teasing by some drunken persons when the incident took place.

The police said an officer of the Sports Authority of India had lodged a complaint that some drunken persons had misbehaved with him when he was taking food in a dhaba along with his wife.

An irate mob demanding action against the policemen blocked traffic on the main road for about four hours. About 600 vehicles, mostly apple-laden trucks, were held up.

The situation was defused by the Additional District Magistrate, Mr H.N. Kashyap and the Additional Superintendent of Police, Mr Daljeet Singh, who rushed to the spot this afternoon.

An inquiry has been ordered into the incident.

A tented colony in a cold desert
From M.C. Thakur

MANALI: Sarchu, once the halting place for traders, going to Ladakh and Tibet, has now seen vast changes in communications and roads, and has attained the distinction of attracting the maximum foreign and domestic tourists.

The 485-km-long Manali-Leh highway, one of the highest roads in the world, winds its way over four high passes — Rohtang Pass (3978 m), Baralacha Pass (4883 m), Lachlung la (5065 m), and Tanglang La (5328 m). The drive from Manali to Leh is one of the most spectacular in the western Himalayas. While driving up to Leh, the roof of the world, the traveller is treated to magnificent views of the barren mountaineering which change colour with the rising and setting sun.

The Manali-Leh road was opened to foreign tourists in 1989. For the first time on this adventurous national highway, a private travel organisation based at Manali sent two HPTC deluxe buses filled with foreign tourists. Thereafter, there was no looking back and visitors to this most scenic gift of nature started increasing year after year.

From 6708 tourists in 1991, the number rose to 11,833 foreign tourists last year.

Keeping in view the increasing demand for accommodation at Sarchu a convenient place midway, which is 2 km from Manali, the Himachal Tourist Development Corporation pitched some tents for visitors and has provided catering facilities there. At present the HPTDC has installed about 25 tents having a total capacity of 42 beds. A private organisation has provided tents with all basic amenities.

This year for the first time an organisation known as Western Himalayan Medical Rescue, under the guidance of Dr P.D. Lal, in association with East-West Rescue, New Delhi, has established a 24-hour medical camp at Sarchu to provide emergency medical services to trekkers and visitors.

According to Mr Dev Raj Sharma, Senior Manager (Transport and Tours), the HPTDC is plying deluxe buses from Manali to Leh every day till September 10, subjects to weather conditions. A private luxury coach association also plies a deluxe bus daily to Leh to meet demand.

Today, the Manali - Leh highway is becoming extremely popular with foreign and domestic visitors and a number of tourists are travelling on this highest road by different modes of transport. Adventure-lovers who do not want to travel by bus are taking their journey by jeep while youngsters go on motorcycle.

Teachers take out procession
From Our Correspondent

HAMIRPUR, Aug 17 — Members of the HP Secondary and Trained Graduate Volunteer Teachers Association took out a procession through the main bazar here today in support of their demand for the regularisation of their services.

The members criticised the Chief Minister, Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal, for describing their agitation as "uncalled for". They said their agitation was logical and the state government should accept their demands, failing which they would launch an agitation.