‘Peak and Pine Eco Shop’ in Dharamshala to support rural women’s livelihoods

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Himachali ghee, honey, pickles, chutneys and pine-needle products will be available at the shop

Dharamshala: The Forest Department and Himachal Pradesh Ecotourism Society have launched the ‘Peak and Pine Eco Shop’ in Dharamshala to promote local products, support rural livelihoods and provide women’s self-help groups with a platform to reach tourists and visitors.

Vasu Kaushal, Chief Conservator of Forests, Dharamshala Forest Circle, inaugurated the shop, which will offer traditional and forest-based products made by women’s self-help groups (SHGs), eco-development committees (EDCs) and local communities.

Products available at the shop will include Himachali ghee, honey, items made from pine needles, pickles, chutneys, traditional hosiery and seera.

The initiative aims to connect local producers with markets, create employment and self-employment opportunities for rural women and local entrepreneurs, and encourage traditional skills and Himachal Pradesh’s cultural heritage.

It also seeks to increase community participation in conservation activities and generate economic benefits through the sustainable use of local resources. The initiative is aligned with the objectives of the Himachal Pradesh Ecotourism Policy 2024, which focuses on responsible tourism, conservation of natural resources and local livelihoods.

Speaking at the inauguration, Kaushal said Himachali products and traditional souvenirs should become an integral part of the ecotourism experience. She said such initiatives could play an important role in strengthening rural livelihoods, empowering women and making tourists more aware of the natural and cultural heritage of the Himalayan region.

During the programme, Kaushal also distributed car stickers to taxi operators to promote the message of keeping the Triund area clean and green.

The initiative aims to raise awareness among people associated with tourism about cleanliness, responsible tourist behaviour and the need to protect the fragile Himalayan environment.

The eco shop has been established with the cooperation of the Forest Department, Himachal Pradesh Ecotourism Society, EDCs, women’s self-help groups and local communities.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Dharamshala Amit Sharma, DFO Headquarters Rahul Sharma and other Forest Department officials and staff were also present on the occasion.