Push for Sustainable Tourism
The Himachal Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation is taking strides towards sustainable tourism by introducing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at its hotels across the state. With hotels strategically positioned in popular tourist destinations, including Barog, Parwanoo, Shimla, Manali, and tribal areas like Keylong and Chamba, the initiative aims to lure tourists and promote eco-friendly travel.
Implementation Strategy
Rajeev Kumar, the Managing Director of the corporation, revealed that the installation of Level 1 charging stations, incurring minimal expenditure, is the initial step. The corporation plans to equip all its hotels with EV charging stations within the next two to three months. The Level 1 station takes 10-12 hours for a full charge through a 120-volt in-house outlet.
Future Expansion and Challenges
While the current focus is on Level 1 stations, there is potential for exploring Level 2 stations if the response is substantial. However, with financial constraints and a loss of Rs 5 crore incurred in the current financial year, the corporation faces challenges in expanding charging infrastructure. The financial strain may impact the ability to invest in advanced charging stations like Level 2 and Level 3.
Addressing Visitor Concerns
The move aligns with the state government’s promotion of electric vehicles, but concerns about the cost of battery replacements and limitations of EVs have been raised. Users have pointed out challenges such as battery withering and financial constraints for replacements, as seen in the case of two e-vehicles in Solan civic body.
Future Outlook
As Himachal Pradesh strives to enhance its tourism infrastructure and promote sustainable travel, the success of this initiative will be closely observed. The incorporation of EV charging stations reflects a commitment to environmental conservation while catering to the evolving needs of eco-conscious tourists.
Source：tribuneindia.com
