CM Bhagwant Mann inaugurates eco huts at Saleran Dam
Digital Desk, Hoshiarpur. Inaugurating eco-friendly huts at the Saleran Dam site, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday said this will give a big boost to eco-tourism and generation of employment opportunities in the state. He also said that the Aam Aadmi Party ('AAP') government is increasing employment opportunities by developing the tourist destinations of Punjab. He said that shooting of films and destination weddings in Amritsar, Patiala and Chamraud Lake have also increased employment opportunities. He said that Saleran Dam Project will give competition to the tourist places of Himachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister said that the AAP government has revived 52 rest houses which were in ruins, which are now generating a monthly revenue of Rs 1 crore through rent. He said that previous governments had sold government properties to their favorites at very low prices, whereas his government has taken action and recovered the same properties.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the Saleran Dam Eco-Tourism Project, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that today we have launched the Saleran Dam Eco-Tourism Project to further strengthen the tourism infrastructure in the state. He said that earlier Chauhal Dam project is running successfully and this new initiative will provide another attractive place for tourists.
The Chief Minister said that this project is estimated to cost about Rs 2.80 crore and is expected to generate annual revenue of more than Rs 18 lakh. He said that along with attracting tourists, this project will also create employment opportunities for the local youth, which will also increase their income.
Describing the facilities provided under the project, the Chief Minister said that a special playground spread over 16,000 square feet has been built for children, in which various types of swings and other recreational activities have been arranged. He further said that four eco huts and a cafeteria with a seating capacity of 80 people have also been built to accommodate the tourists.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that a big amphitheater has also been prepared to enjoy the beautiful views of Saleran Dam. He said that this project will prove to be very important in giving a big boost to eco-tourism in Punjab.
The Chief Minister said that this project has been developed keeping in mind environmental sensitivity and awareness, in which eco-friendly infrastructure has been created for tourism and recreational activities. He also said that the Punjab Government is making continuous efforts to promote tourism in the Kandi areas of Punjab. He said that these areas have immense potential, which can be developed as ideal tourist destinations to attract tourists from all over the world.
Expressing regret over the neglect of these areas during the time of previous governments, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to the continuous neglect of the previous state governments, these areas lagged behind in terms of development. He said that our government is now harnessing the undiscovered tourism potential in these areas, which are known for their natural beauty. He said that strenuous efforts are already underway to develop the entire area so that tourism can be given a big boost in the state.
The Chief Minister said that the region is rich in natural resources which is capable of attracting tourists from across the country and abroad. He said that the need of the hour is to encourage economic activities in the region, which will also play an important role in improving the standard of living of the local people.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the day is not far when after improving the infrastructure, this area will emerge as a major tourist center in future and this area will prove to be important in placing Punjab firmly on the international tourism map.
Referring to the steps taken by his government to revive tourism infrastructure, the Chief Minister said the state government has revived 75 abandoned or vacant rest houses, which are now generating revenue of about Rs one crore. He said that in the coming days, more such projects will be started to benefit the people and attract nature and adventure lovers. He said that for the convenience of the people, restaurants are also being developed along the rivers, whereas during the previous governments, these properties were sold to those close to those in power.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the main objective of this step is to strengthen the tourism sector by developing these areas in a planned and proper manner. He also said that Punjab's tableau depicting the great sacrifice of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji will be a part of the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi.
Reiterating the government's comprehensive governance agenda, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that from the first day of coming to power in the year 2022, our government is working tirelessly for the welfare of the people, under which initiatives like Mukhyamantri Swasthya Yojana, free electricity, Aam Aadmi Clinic, education reforms, water on tube wells, construction of village roads and road safety force have been started.
The Chief Minister further said that the state government will also fulfill its promise of giving Rs 1,000 to women by making arrangements in the upcoming budget. He expressed hope that keeping in mind the contribution of Punjab in every field, the Central Government will give a special package to Punjab in the upcoming Union Budget, which the state of Punjab fully deserves.
Highlighting the economic and agricultural initiatives, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab government has partnered with Japanese company JICA (GICA), which will invest Rs 1,300 crore to promote horticulture in Punjab. He said this would help conserve precious underground water while encouraging crop diversity.
Talking about law and order, the Chief Minister stressed that those who protect gangsters are raising questions on the law and order situation today. He said that the government has launched campaigns like 'War against drugs' and 'War on gangsters' to break the backbone of drug smugglers and gangsters. He said that we are fully committed to create a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Punjab by rooting out social evils.
The Chief Minister said that anti-drone technology has been deployed on the border, which is showing positive results in stopping the influx of drugs and weapons. He said that our aim is to completely eliminate cross-border terrorism and narco-terrorism. Saying that Punjab is the first state in the country to adopt this technology, he said that our government is continuously striving for the welfare of every section of the society.
He said that public funds are being used judiciously to implement public welfare schemes by eliminating possibilities of misappropriation and embezzlement of funds. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that our aim is to ensure the progress of the state and the prosperity of its people. He said that if the Central Government immediately releases the withheld funds, the pace of development in Punjab will gain further momentum. On this occasion, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann along with Cabinet Minister Barinder Goyal and other senior officials were present.
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