The much-delayed tourism projects in Chandigarh have finally caught the attention of the UT Administration.
UT Home Secretary Anil Kumar along with Director Tourism and senior officers of UT Engineering Department and UT Architecture Department reviewed the progress of the tourism projects on Friday. The Ministry of Tourism has granted over Rs 20 crores to develop Chandigarh as a tourist destination.
Be it the face-lifting of existing tourist spots or the development of new theme parks in the city, the UT Administration is moving at snail’s pace to actualise these projects. In a meeting held recently in New Delhi, the Union Ministry of Tourism had reprimanded the UT Administration for its delay in execution of proposed tourism projects. Coming down heavily on the UT Administration for its failure in timely completion of tourism projects, the Union Ministry had directed the officials of Administration to expedite the work on these projects, otherwise funds for the same would not be released.
Meanwhile, the UT Administration on Friday reviewed the progress of the ambitious project of Nature Interpretation Centre, a 3 dimensional Panaroma being developed by Centre for Environment Education, Ahmadabad at Sukhna lake regulator end. Over Rs 65 lakh will be spent on setting up the infrastructure which will have special features to depict the flora, fauna and bio-diversity of Sukhna lake environs. As per the proposal mooted over two years back, life size diorama of animal species found in Sukhna Sanctuary like Pangolin and other birds, mammals and reptiles would be set up there. It will be informative as well as an attraction for visitors who may have keen interest in the environment and Ecology of this region. Also, a documentary film on environment and ecology will be screened for the visitors. Another interesting feature of the Centre would be effects like voices and sounds made by different birds found around Sukhna lake.
The Tourist Reception Centre at regulator end of Sukhna lake will also have Chandigarh Tourism managed souvenir shop selling unique souvenirs of Chandigarh. UT Home Secretary also visited Kalagram where it had been earlier decided, to build up infrastructural facilities on the pattern of Delhi haat to have State pavilions where traditional items and other artefacts will be available through master craftsmen and other artisans.
later, the Home Secretary also visited Sector 42 New lake where the UT Administration is creating a hub of culture and tourism in the southern sectors of Chandigarh. Adjoining the lake area, there is a vast area of about 20 acres which is being developed into a garden of palms and also a tourism adventure cycling track is being developed.