As a part of its commitment to develop Punjab as a hub of eco-tourism, the state’s Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Friday digitally inaugurated Chohal eco-tourism project (Nature Retreat Chohal), Hoshiarpur.
The main aim of the project is to make people aware about the Forests and Wildlife, thus, promoting eco-tourism in Punjab.
Under the project, huts have been constructed for tourists at a cost of Rs 60 lakhs where they can stay with their families. The main attraction is that the project is being run by the local community and the 50 percent share would be utilized for the development of the village.
“The project entails canteen for the tourists besides nature trail and jeep safari to enjoy the scenic beauty of nature and see wildlife such as peacock, sambar, deer, sparrow, apart from the leopard from close quarters,” he said.
Kataruchak claimed that this is the third such project in the State. “Earlier, Mini Goa in Pathankot, and Jungle Lodges at Thana Dam in Hoshiarpur are being run by the Forest Department and they are a hit among the tourists,” he added.
“The new project would result in expanding the income of the local population. Besides, a jungle safari from Chohal to Takhni Wildlife Sanctuary would soon see the light of the day,” he added.