Pony owners in Kufri to switch to allied tourism activities

Pony owners in Kufri have agreed to switch over to allied tourism activities, following the technical support given by the government for home-based tourism, floriculture, herb cultivation and vegetable farming. The Shimla district administration is making efforts to restore the lost glory of Kufri, earlier a popular tourist spot, due to stench of pony litter and other pollutants affecting the environment. The administration has brought together departments like tourism, environment, science and technology, to work with the local residents and identify alternatives that can be adopted by pony owners.

The administration’s action comes after the Kufri Panchayat took the initiative for reviving the popularity of the tourist spot. The Panchayat is supported by leading hotelier Dhian Chand, and academicians like Aparna Negi. Earlier, a Netherlands-based consultant, Joseph ACM Van Odenhoven, was invited by them for drawing a comprehensive plan for the rehabilitation of the area. In a meeting held at Kufri today, Deputy Commissioner Shimla JS Rana asked the Panchayat to submit a comprehensive report within 15 days, for connecting all wards with pukka paths, implement a total sanitation programme, and have a Community Hall.