‘Tourism village’ on Palampur farm university land opposed

Palampur, July 17

The decision of the state government to set up a ‘tourism village’ on the campus of HP Agriculture University has attracted criticism in Kangra district. Dr DK Vatsa, acting Vice-Chancellor, had recently given a no objection certificate (NOC) to the state government for taking over 100 hectares of the university land for a tourism village to be set up on its campus.

Addressing a news conference here today, Parveen Sharma, former MLA and senior BJP leader, said there was no justification in setting up a ‘tourism village’ in an educational institution. He said the decision would not only hamper smooth functioning of the university, but would also affect the students and scholars. He categorically stated that the BJP would strongly oppose this move.

Parveen alleged the government pressured its acting Vice-Chancellor to transfer the land despite opposition from teaching and non-teaching employees. He added that if the government failed to review its decision, the BJP would approach the Himachal Pradesh High Court.

Sullah MLA and former Assembly Speaker Vipin Singh Parmar also opposed the tourism village project on the university land. “We are not against the setting up of a tourism village in the Palampur region. However, it should not be set up in a premier educational institute of the state. Setting up a tourism village in Palampur agriculture university will affect the academic atmosphere of the institute. We will request the Chancellor of the University and Governor not to allow the setting up of the tourism village on the university land,” he said.

Parmar said that the government had in the past also acquired the university land for setting up of government degree colleges and science museums. Since it was for the educational purpose, the BJP did not oppose it. However, in the present situation, nobody would approve the setting up of a tourism village on the university campus.

Many residents of Palampur have taken to social media against the government proposal to divert 100 acres from the agriculture university for the tourism village.

Will hit academic atmosphere: BJP

We are not against the setting up of a tourism village in the Palampur region. However, it should not be set up in a premier educational institute of the state. Setting up a tourism village in Palampur agriculture university will affect its academic atmosphere. Vipin Singh Parmar, Sullah MLA