Come July, get the taste of Punjab in Amritsar. For, the Punjab Government is all set to throw open the ‘Urban Haat’ in July.
Developed on the lines of lahore Food Street, which is known for traditional lahori cuisine, the Amritsar’s Urban Haat would also offer on its platter the state’s art and culture along with the sumptuous authentic dishes.
The project was initially announced to be launched in September last year, following which October was set as deadline. later, the government announced to launch it on Baisakhi this year. Notwithstanding the repeated delays in its deadlines, the government authorities are certain of its launch in July.
“The project has been completed and we are just giving the final touches. There were some technicalities which led to delay,” a senior official of the Tourism Department told The Pioneer.
The Haat is being developed by renovating the abandoned complex of a 124-year old colonial building of Victoria Jubilee (VJ) Hospital. It is being developed by the Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA) in consultation with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).
The project, developed at a cost of Rs nine crore, was aimed at prolonging the tourists’ stay in the holy city. It is just one kilometre away from the Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh — which witness the maximum tourists in the city.
“Currently, we are finishing up with the landscaping thing, furniture, air conditioning, and other minute details,” said the official.
The official said, “Punjabi food, especially Amritsari, is known all over the world. Besides, Punjabi art and craft is also very popular and people love to buy such things. So, we are providing them with one place where they can get both. This is going to emerge as a favourite destination for the food and art lovers coming to this city.”
The area has been divided into six blocks, including 19 food stalls, and 32 stalls of art and craft articles.
“The Haat will not only have place to eat and shop, but we have also developed eight suites, guest rooms and dormitories to accommodate the visiting artistes and troupes,” the official added.
Articles showcasing Punjab’s rich culture and heritage, a souvenir shop, ATM facility and other public-centric utilities will be in the second block. Two blocks have been dedicated to the Craft Bazaar emporium, and administrative complex.
Food court, with the seating capacity of more than 400 persons, would cover another two blocks. It would house Amritsar’s famous food joints like Kesar Da Dhaba, Kundan’s Dhaba, the Kulcha land and globally famous Makhan Fish.
“Having such a place offering so much under one roof would surely going to attract the tourists. It would not only boost the tourism but would also benefit the hotel industry. People would prolong their stay here,” said the official.
The State tourism department is actively working towards giving a major push to the tourism banking on Amritsar’s famous attractions, coupled with its traditional food, art and craft. The city has been included in the Centre’s HRIDAY (Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana) scheme.
