Dharamshala, Oct. 26 -- Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday said that the state government was planning to invest between Rs.10,000 and Rs.15,000 crore in the tourism sector over the next five years. He said the government was making concerted efforts to promote high-end tourism, with a special focus on infrastructure development and strengthening air connectivity. The CM was presiding over the closing ceremony of the Koti Golf Cup-2026 tournament, organised on Saturday and Sunday at Naldehra Golf Course in Shimla district, in which over 80 players participated. He presented trophies to the winners and felicitated them for their achievements. Sukhu said Rs.3,000 crore was being spent on land acquisition for the expansion of Kangra airport. In addition, the state government is providing Rs.35 crore under the Viability Gap Funding mechanism to support flight operations in the state. He said the government was working towards connecting all district headquarters through heliport facilities. Efforts were also underway to introduce connecting flights from Shimla to improve air accessibility and make travel more convenient for tourists. The CM said the expansion of Kangra airport would enable the operation of large aircraft, helping increase tourist arrivals and giving a further boost to tourism activities across Himachal Pradesh. Highlighting the state government's initiatives to promote sustainable tourism, the chief minister said 60 eco-tourism sites had been leased out, generating revenue of Rs.22 crore for the state exchequer. Praising the Naldehra Golf Course, the chief minister described it as one of the most scenic golf destinations of Himachal Pradesh. CM Sukhu has urged the Union government to raise a dedicated Himachal Scouts Battalion on the lines of the Ladakh Scouts, Sikkim Scouts and Arunachal Pradesh Scouts. This would strengthen the defence preparedness along the Sino-Indian border, particularly the Line of Actual Control, while enhancing operational capabilities in the region's difficult mountainous terrain, he said. The proposed battalion will provide a dedicated recruitment opportunity for local youth, particularly those from border areas such as Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts, who are familiar with the challenging terrain and harsh climatic conditions of high-altitude regions, he said. Sukhu said more than one lakh youth from the state were serving in the Armed Forces, while a similar number of ex-servicemen had contributed to the nation's defense and security. Highlighting the state's glorious military tradition, he said Major Somnath Sharma, the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, hailed from Himachal Pradesh....