Shimla's famous picnic spot Craignano, situated at a height of 7,700 feet, would be developed as a major camping site for tourists, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said on Monday.
"A 'Nature Park' with an outlay of Rs 1.83 crore will be developed amidst the oak and pine forests here," he said while laying the foundation stone of the park.
The Chief Minister also directed the local authorities to develop a tulip garden at the spot, which is just 16 km from the state capital on the Naldehra road.
The beauty of the groves once attracted the British here. They had constructed a Dak Bungalow that was used to play billiards and for reading.
Additional Chief Secretary Tarun Kapoor said 10 hectares would be utilised by the forest department for setting up the nature park. It will have an amphitheatre, a cafeteria, tented accommodation for the visitors, a childrens' park, water bodies and strolling trails.
A bust or statue of Lord Buddha would also be set up in the park, Kapoor added.
The Chief Minister, who also visited the old Craignano rest house, directed that it be renovated. He said besides tulip flowers, a rose garden and other native and exotic species should also be planted and taken care of.
He stressed upon planting broader saplings and said the area, which is quite rich in flora and fauna, would certainly attract visitors and locals. He also planted a sapling of a chinar tree.
--IANS
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