Dharamshala, March 23 -- With a push to eco-tourism, the Himachal Pradesh government will develop 50 new eco-tourism sites in the state in 2026-27, CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said while presenting the budget on Saturday. The government has taken several important steps in a planned manner to promote eco-tourism. "During 2025- 26, the state has developed eco-tourism sites at 17 environmental tourism locations," CM Sukhu said. The state government has launched eco-tourism policy (2024) to develop eco-tourism sites in different forest circles across the state. The goal is to attract tourists in a way that protects nature, creates local jobs, and helps the economy grow in a clean and sustainable manner. Eco-tourism committees have been formed in each forest circle to take care of these projects. Local youth are being trained as nature guides and workers. With its snow-covered mountains, thick forests, clean rivers and rich wildlife, Himachal Pradesh has always been a favourite place for nature lovers. Sukhu informed that during 2025, a total of 3.11 crore tourists visited the state, which shows that Himachal is attracting a large number of tourists. Sukhu told the House that the government will bring a plan for the development of a new city named Kangra Aerocity near Kangra Airport, where tourists arriving in the tourism capital will not only get world-class facilities but also comprehensive development of the area around the airport will be ensured. htc...