Himachal to set up 'haat' near Shimla

To promote the unique handicrafts of Himachal Pradesh, a 'haat' will be built by the state government.

It will be the first haat in the hill state as the Centre has given permission to set up the project at Kiari bungalow, a popular highway halt on the Kalka-Shimla highway, some 22 km from here.

Officials said the land site had been finalised and would be purchased shortly by the state tourism department. "Permission has been granted to purchase this land near Kiari bungalow to set up a 'haat'," said Tourism Department Director Tarun Siridhar.

The hill state is home to some of the finest handicrafts in the country which include Kullu and Kinnauri shawls, caps, dolls, mufflers, chamba rumals, metallic deity masks, chamba sandals among others.