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Key Points

Tourism workers in Shimla protested against moving the HPTDC head office to Dharamshala. They called the decision politically motivated and harmful to local businesses. Union leaders warned it would cause delays and financial losses for the corporation. Protesters threatened legal action if the government doesn't reverse the decision.

Key Points: Himachal Tourism Workers Protest HPTDC Office Shift to Dharamshala

  • Protesters demand revocation of HPTDC office relocation decision
  • Union president calls move politically motivated and harmful
  • CITU labels decision administratively impractical
  • Workers warn of intensified agitation and legal action
2 min read

Himachal tourism workers protest against shifting of HPTDC head office to Dharamshala

Shimla tourism workers protest HPTDC head office relocation, calling it politically motivated and harmful to local businesses and employees in the state capital.

"This is not in the interest of tourism or the corporation - Vijendra Mehra, CITU Himachal Pradesh"

Shimla, August 25

Tourism industry workers and locals in Himachal Pradesh protested near the Vidhan Sabha on Monday against the decision to shift the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) head office from Shimla to Dharamshala.

The tour operators braved the rains while staging a protest near Chaura Maidan, demanding that the issue be discussed in the Assembly and the relocation decision be revoked. The demonstration was organised by local tourism stakeholders and the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU).

Harish Vyas, President of the Shimla Guide and Travel Agents' Union, told ANI that the move was "politically motivated" and would adversely impact thousands dependent on tourism in Shimla.

"The HPTDC head office has been shifted to Dharamshala, which is wrong. Secretariat offices are kept near the capital for public convenience, but this was shifted for political mileage. This affects small workers like porters, taxi drivers, travel agents, shopkeepers and hoteliers," Vyas said.

"Today one office is being shifted, tomorrow others will follow. If this is not rolled back, we will take legal action," he added.

Vyas also pointed out that Dharamshala has less tourist activity than Shimla, and essential HPTDC work will now require travel to the Kangra district, causing delays and losses.

Vijendra Mehra, State President of CITU Himachal Pradesh, called the decision "administratively impractical" and said it would harm tourism businesses as well as HPTDC employees.

"Shimla has been the tourism hub for nearly 200 years. The daily work of hoteliers, taxi operators, guides, and suppliers depends on proximity to HPTDC's office. Now, to get work done, one will have to go to Dharamshala. Even HPTDC employees will suffer, as many matters require coordination with Shimla-based offices," Mehra said.

"Meetings will now require travel to Dharamshala, adding unnecessary costs when HPTDC is already facing financial challenges," he added.

Mehra also noted that the new office is proposed to operate out of an HPTDC hotel in Dharamshala, the same hotel the government claims is running at a loss.

"This is not in the interest of tourism or the corporation. We urge both ruling and opposition MLAs to discuss this in the Assembly and roll back the decision immediately," he demanded.

Protesters warned they would intensify agitation and explore legal avenues if the government did not reverse the order.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from Shimla, I can confirm this will hurt small businesses badly. Our family runs a small hotel and we need to visit HPTDC office frequently for permits and coordination. Now going to Dharamshala will mean extra travel time and costs.
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Michael C
While I understand the concerns, maybe this move could help develop tourism in other parts of Himachal too? Dharamshala is a beautiful place with great potential. But the government should have proper infrastructure in place first.
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Ananya R
The timing is all wrong! Tourism industry is still recovering from pandemic losses and now this additional burden. Government should focus on supporting businesses rather than creating more problems. #SupportShimlaTourism
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Vikram M
This reeks of political vendetta. Why fix something that isn't broken? Shimla's tourism ecosystem has worked perfectly for decades. Officials should visit and see how this affects ground-level workers before making such decisions.
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Sarah B
I've visited both Shimla and Dharamshala as a tourist. While Dharamshala is lovely, Shimla definitely has better tourism infrastructure and connectivity. This move seems poorly planned and will definitely cause operational issues.

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