Sudhir Sharma demands better roads, drainage to boost tourism in Dharamshala

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Dharamshala, August 5

Dharamshala MLA Sudhir Sharma has raised concerns over the poor condition of roads in and around the hill town, saying inadequate infrastructure is affecting both residents and tourists and undermining efforts to develop Dharamshala as Himachal Pradesh’s tourism capital.

Speaking during the monsoon season, Sharma said thousands of domestic and international tourists visit Dharamshala every year to enjoy its pleasant weather and natural beauty, but damaged roads, potholes, landslide-hit stretches and incomplete repair works have become a major inconvenience.

He said the government must prioritize strengthening the city’s basic infrastructure if it intends to promote Dharamshala as a premier tourist destination. Merely filling potholes with soil, he said, is not a lasting solution, as the material gets washed away during heavy rains, leaving the roads in poor condition again. He called for permanent, high-quality road repairs.

The BJP legislator also said several roads damaged by landslides last year are yet to be permanently restored. He alleged that debris removal and road improvement works, including those on the McLeodganj road, were progressing slowly.

According to Sharma, tourism promotion cannot succeed unless visitors have safe, convenient road connectivity.

Commenting on the government’s communication regarding natural disasters, Sharma said such incidents are usually confined to specific areas, but portraying the entire state as disaster-affected creates a negative perception and adversely impacts the tourism industry. He urged the government to communicate in a balanced and responsible manner.

The MLA also emphasized the need for a modern drainage system in Dharamshala, saying inadequate rainwater drainage, poor maintenance of drains and the absence of scientific planning have contributed to recurring landslides and soil erosion.

He said efforts are being made to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a comprehensive drainage network to provide a long-term solution to the city’s drainage and erosion problems.