Inaugurating eco-friendly huts at Saleran Dam to give a major push to eco-tourism and job creation in the state, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is increasing employment by developing Punjab’s tourism destinations. He said that film shoots and destination weddings at Amritsar, Patiala and Chimraud Lake have also led to a rise in employment opportunities, adding that the Saleran Dam project will compete with tourism destinations of Himachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister said the AAP government has revived 52 rest houses that had turned into ruins and that they are now generating ₹1 crore in monthly rental revenue. He said previous governments sold government properties to their friends at throwaway prices, but the present government has recovered those assets.
Interacting with media persons after inaugurating the Saleran Dam Eco-Tourism Project, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Today we have inaugurated the Saleran Dam Eco-Tourism Project to further strengthen tourism infrastructure in the state. Earlier, the Chohal Dam project has been running successfully, and this new initiative will add another attractive destination for tourists.”
The Chief Minister said the project has been conceived at a cost of ₹2.80 crore and is expected to generate more than ₹18 lakh in annual revenue. “This project will attract tourists to the area, create job opportunities for local youth and significantly boost their income,” he added.
Highlighting the facilities created under the project, the Chief Minister said, “A special playground spread over 16,000 square feet has been constructed for children, with a multi-play station and other recreational activities.” He further said, “Four eco huts have been constructed for tourists to stay, and a cafeteria with seating capacity for 80 people has also been built.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added that a large amphitheatre has been developed to enjoy the scenic views of Saleran Dam, noting that “this project will prove highly significant in giving a major fillip to eco tourism in Punjab.”
The Chief Minister said the project has been developed with a focus on environmental sensitivity and awareness. “Environment-friendly tourism and recreational infrastructure has been created, keeping ecological balance in mind,” he said, adding that the Punjab government is making sustained efforts to promote tourism in the kandi belt of Punjab. “There is immense potential in these areas, and they can be developed as ideal tourist destinations to attract visitors from across the globe,” he said.
Lamenting the neglect of these regions in the past, the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Due to the negligence of successive state governments, these areas remained ignored in the development process.” He said the government is now harnessing the untapped tourism potential of these areas known for their natural beauty. “Strenuous efforts are already underway to develop the entire region so that tourism in the state gets a major boost,” he added.
The Chief Minister said the region is blessed with abundant natural resources capable of drawing tourists from across the country and abroad. “Promotion of economic activity in this region is the need of the hour, as it will help transform the lives of the people,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the future, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The day is not far when, after improving infrastructure, this region will emerge as a major tourist hub. These areas can act as a catalyst in placing Punjab firmly on the international tourism map.”
Referring to steps taken by his government to revive tourism infrastructure, the Chief Minister said, “The state government has revived 75 abandoned rest houses, which are now fetching revenue of around ₹1 crore.” He said more such projects will be launched in the coming days to benefit people and attract nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. “Restaurants are also being developed along rivers for public convenience, whereas during previous regimes these assets were sold off to people close to those in power,” he said.
CM Bhagwant Singh stated the overarching objective is to give a strong push to the tourism sector by developing these areas in a planned and befitting manner. He also said, “Punjab’s tableau, showcasing the supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji, will be part of the Republic Day parade in New Delhi.”
Reiterating the government’s broader governance agenda, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Since day one in office in 2022, our government has been working tirelessly for the welfare of the people. Initiatives such as Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, free power, Aam Aadmi Clinics, education reforms, water at tail ends, construction of rural roads and the Sadak Surakhya Force have been launched.”
On welfare commitments, the Chief Minister said, “The state government will fulfill its promise of giving ₹1,000 to every woman by making provisions in the coming budget.” He expressed hope that the Union government would extend a special package to Punjab in the upcoming Union Budget, saying, “Punjab’s contribution to the nation in every sector deserves recognition.”
Referring to economic and agricultural initiatives, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted, “The Punjab government has partnered with Japanese company JICA, which will invest ₹1,300 crore to boost horticulture in Punjab.” He said this would help save precious groundwater while promoting crop diversification.
On law and order, the Chief Minister asserted, “It is ironic that those who patronised gangsters are now questioning the law and order situation.” He said the government has launched campaigns like ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ and ‘Gangsteraan te Vaar’ to break the backbone of drug smugglers and gangsters. “We are fully committed to eradicating social evils and building a peaceful, progressive and Rangla Punjab,” he said.
The Chief Minister stated anti-drone technology has been deployed along the border and is yielding encouraging results in checking the inflow of drugs and weapons. “Our aim is to stop cross-border terrorism and narco-terrorism. Punjab is the first state in the country to adopt this technology,” he said, adding that the government is making continuous efforts for the welfare of every section of society.
He said people-friendly schemes are being implemented by plugging leakages and using public funds judiciously. “Our motive is to ensure the progress of the state and prosperity of its people,” Bhagwant Singh Mann said, while adding that “if the Centre releases all the funds stalled by it, development in Punjab can be further accelerated.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Barinder Goyal and other senior officials.
