The Punjab Government has decided to develop Siswan Dam Water Body as world class eco-tourism destination besides developing the whole foothill area of Shivalik Range in the state as a tourism hub.

The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister. Sukhbir Singh Badal along with senior officers visited the Dam Site to discuss the explorability of developing it as an eco-tourism destination. He directed the officers to conduct a feasibility study by engaging top consultants of the field. He said that this site has all ingredients of developing it as tourism hub that too an eco-friendly tourism destination with availability of sufficient fresh waters besides its scenic beauty due to surrounding Shivalik Hills.

Badal said that in comparison of Sukhna Lake of Chandigarh, this place has much more scope for its development with availability of huge area besides proximity to the state capital. He directed the district administration to remove any bottlenecks at local level with immediate effect so that a comprehensive development plan could be initiated.

Describing tourism as a major multiplier for any economy, Badal said that time has come to take major strides in this direction. He said that SAD-BJP government was committed to develop every possible tourism circuit whether it is religious tourism, heritage tourism, farm tourism or health tourism and expressed hope that this eco-tourism development initiative would have a significant impact on the state's economy.

Punjab Newsline