Eco-tourism initiative runs into tomb trouble near Dharamshala’s McLeod Ganj

Built in 1852 in neo-Gothic style amid deodar forests, St John in the Wilderness Church is one of the oldest colonial-era structures in the region. It houses the tomb of Lord James Bruce, the 8th Earl of Elgin and Viceroy of India, who died in Dharamshala in 1863. Lord Elgin’s Tomb is among 40 monuments in Himachal Pradesh protected by the ASI and continues to draw thousands of visitors for its history and Belgian stained-glass windows donated by Lady Elgin.

The park was developed and leased out three months ago under the Himachal Pradesh Government’s Eco Tourism Policy 2024, which aims to generate around Rs 200 crore annually through sustainable tourism. The park, leased for three years for Rs 15 lakh, is among 77 such nature-based tourism sites identified across the state.

ASI officials said the notices were issued under section 20A of the AMASR Act, which prohibits any new construction within 100 m of a protected monument, except for authorised public works. The law aims to preserve a heritage buffer around monuments of national importance.

Pankaj Kumar of Dharamshala, who leased the site in October, said he was unaware that the park fell within the restricted area. “The structures inside the park are temporary, including a cafeteria and wooden benches. We have paid Rs 15 lakh to the forest department for a three-year lease and are reviewing the notice. The forest officials should have informed us about the proximity to a protected monument,” he said.

‘We cannot even construct a toilet’

The St John in the Wilderness Church, governed by the Church of North India’s Amritsar diocese, has also voiced frustration. Church treasurer Rohit Sharma said heritage restrictions had left the management unable to build basic facilities.

“We respect the monument, but we cannot even construct a toilet or install a water tank. Thousands of tourists visit on weekends, and with no amenities, the situation becomes difficult,” he said.

Tsering Phunchok, Superintending Archaeologist, Shimla Circle, confirmed the issuance of notices.

“We acted under Section 20A of the AMASR Act after field staff observed construction near the monument. We had written to the Kangra deputy commissioner and the superintendent of police seeking intervention. We must ensure no violation occurs near protected monuments,” he said.

Divisional Forest Officer Dinesh Sharma maintained that the park’s facilities are temporary and educational in nature. “There are no permanent structures. The cafeteria and enclosures are made of wood and plywood. The project falls under the sustainable eco-tourism initiative,” he said.