Tourism in the hill state is likely to get a major boost with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) agreeing to provide financial assistance up to Rs 400 crore for developing the necessary tourism infrastructure. Himachal Pradesh is one of the six states identified by the ADB after a year-long exercise for funding tourism projects. Representatives of the bank gave an indication to this effect during a high-level meeting involving officers of the union ministries concerned and the selected states held at Delhi last week. Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Gujarat, Sikkim and Madhya Pradesh are the other states chosen for funding tourism infrastructure projects by the bank. The state has been asked to come up with concrete proposals for developing various theme-based tourism circuits so that funds could be provided for putting in place the required infrastructure. As far as possible the circuits will have connectivity with the neighbouring states to make it a complete package for the benefit of tourists. The Tourism and Forest Departments have already finalised proposals for developing various circuits to exploit the state's vast potential for eco-tourism, adventure and pilgrim tourism. As Himachal Pradesh in an environmentally sensitive state the ADB is particularly keen on funding eco-tourism projects. Apart from tourism resorts and wayside facilities, ropeways, ski resorts, amusement parks and other similar projects will seek funding from the bank as part of various circuits. The ADB had earlier agreed to fund major hydroelectric projects to help the fund-starved state generate financial resources. It has given its nod for funding of the 240-MW Kashang, 100-MW Sainj and 400-MW Shongtong-Karcham projects. The projects with an aggregate generation capacity of 740 MW to be executed by the Himachal Power Corporation involve an expenditure of 4,500 crore. In the first phase the bank will release Rs 1,700 crore for the projects. The bank will provide 70 per cent of the amount as loan and the remaining 30 per cent will be contributed by the corporation. Paucity of funds has been a major hurdle which prevented the government from taking up big projects in the state sector all these years. However, the state will get 90 per cent of the amount as an outright grant as the loan will be routed through the Government of India. The proposal is now awaiting approval from the Centre.