Punjab Government’s ambitious tourism project to develop an international standard tourist destination in 306 acres around Ranjit Sagar lake near Pathankot has gained momentum.
The Shivalik (Dhauladhar) Tourism Development Board (SDTDB) is working on the project which is to be developed on public private partnership (PPP) mode with participation of leading players from the hospitality and tourism industry.
“As of now, the pre-qualification offers have been received and very soon the technical and financial bids would be invited from the qualified agencies. Signing of agreement with the concessionaire(s) is scheduled by July 15, informed the SDTDB’s spokesperson.
Spokesperson said that the proposed tourism destination shall be first-of-its-kind complete family destination with attractions like resorts, theme park, water and adventure sports, convention centre, shopping and other related components.
Planned under eco-tourism policy 2009, the project’s total built up area is over 45 lakh square feet, and its layout plan has also been finalized.
Further, in order to avoid any asymmetric growth in and around the project site, SDTDB has worked out Development Control Regulations which would be applicable in a radius of 10 km from the project site.
The transfer of land by the Department of Irrigation and Panchayati Raj for the project is at its advance stage and the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Department of Forest is also likely to be received shortly.
Spokesperson informed that the objectives underlying this project are to give impetus to the tourism sector in Punjab and to attract investment through activities related to tourism, which will, in turn, generate socio-economic development and employment opportunities in the region in a big way.
The Government is developing Ranjit Sagar lake as an international tourist destination which is ideally suited for water sports activities and eco-tourism.
Its vast coastline along 87 square km of pristine waters from glacier is perfect for organizing rafting, sailing and paragliding etc, said the spokesperson.
He said that the tourism development in 306 acres scheme area comprises of two islands which are most ideal for development of world class branded hotels.
Besides, the contiguous chunk of 103 acres of Dam Colony land on the Ridge presents a most panoramic view of lake, intended to be developed into a hill side township.
Project location being on Pathankot-Dalhousie road in vicinity of Dalhousie is expected to boost international tourism in the region in a big way. The Project will also tap national and international tourists on their way to Kashmir valley and Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.