Shimla: The High Court has given a big blow to Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC). While hearing the petition of pensioners not getting financial benefits, the court has ordered the closure of 18 loss-making hotels by November 25.
Judge Ajay Mohan Goyal has asked the Managing Director of Tourism Development Corporation to ensure compliance with the orders to close these hotels and has asked to present its compliance report in the court on December 3.
The court described these loss-making hotels as white elephants and said that it is necessary to do so, so that it can be ensured that the Tourism Corporation does not waste public resources in their maintenance. These hotels are a burden on the state.
The court said that the corporation has not been able to use its properties to earn profit. Continuing to operate these properties is nothing but a burden on the state treasury and the court can take judicial cognizance of the fact that the state government keeps talking about financial crisis day by day in the finance-related cases before the court.
18 Hotels to be closed after orders of HC
The High Court ordered the closure of The Palace Hotel Chail, Hotel Geetanjali Dalhousie, Hotel Baghal Dadlaghat, Hotel Dhauladhar Dharamshala, Hotel Kunal Dharamshala, Hotel Kashmir House Dharamshala, Hotel Apple Blossom Fagu, Hotel Chandrabhaga Keylong, Hotel Deodar Khajjiar, Hotel Giriganga Kharapathar, Hotel Meghdoot Kiyarighat, Hotel Sarvari Kullu, Hotel Log Huts Manali, Hotel Hadimba Cottage Manali, Hotel Kunjum Manali, Hotel Bhagsu McLeodganj, Hotel The Castle Naggar, Hotel Shivalik Parwanoo.