To bolster tourism in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday announced Amritsar as a premium wedding destination during the state’s first-ever Tourism Summit — the three-day event that kickstarted at Mohali.
The event, which aimed at promoting the state's tourism potential, saw the Chief Minister advocating for the development of a ‘celebration point’ in Amritsar, covering 100 acres of land. This area will feature marriage palaces, banquet halls, and hotels to cater to a wide range of budgets.
“Amritsar has a special place in the hearts of many, and we want to capitalize on its appeal as a wedding destination. The 'celebration point' will offer banquet halls and hotels to suit every budget, with tariffs ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 10 lakh. This will enable families to host weddings and seek blessings from the iconic Golden Temple on the same day,” stated the Chief Minister, while emphasizing the Government's commitment to make Punjab a tourism hub.
In a step towards the same, Mann revealed the Government's ambitious plan to establish a ‘Film City’ in the state with an aim to boost the entertainment industry in Punjab and create opportunities for local talent to shine on a larger stage.
Furthermore, Mann encouraged the tourism and hospitality industry to explore the untapped potential of Chamrour in Pathankot, highlighting its pristine 57 km-long lake, boasting some of the bluest waters in the country.
At the same time, Mann clarified that the purpose of the event was not political but focused on showcasing Punjab's tourism potential. He emphasized that Punjab's geographical advantage, as travelers to popular destinations like Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, and Shimla in Himachal Pradesh often have to pass through Punjab. He also highlighted the significant religious tourism footfall, with over one lakh people visiting the Golden Temple daily.
“The beauty of Punjab extends beyond its fields; it encompasses its more than 12,000 villages, each with a history of producing martyrs,” said Mann, paying homage to the state's rich heritage.
Mann also urged the industrialists to invest in Punjab, assuring them of a hassle-free environment. The Government has introduced green stamp papers specifically for industrialists setting up units in Punjab, streamlining the approval process and reducing bureaucracy. Existing industrialists were also encouraged to expand their operations, with the Government pledging full support.
Among the dignitaries present at the summit were Tourism Minister Anmolm Gagan Mann, renowned film producer Bobby Bedi, known for his work on ‘Bandit Queen’, and comedians Ehsaan Qureishi and Sunil Paul.
The Summit showcased Punjab's heritage, culture, adventure, and natural beauty through various presentations and videos. The government aims to attract significant investments in the state's tourism sector by identifying and developing tourism spots in various districts, including Mohali, Pathankot, and Sri Muktsar Sahib. Notably, the Wonderla Group has already committed to investing Rs 500 crore in Mohali to establish a theme park and water sports facilities.
Chamrour in Punjab has India's Bluest Waters
Mann, addressing the gathering, highlighted that Chamrour in Pathankot, a hidden gem in the region, is a prime example of Punjab's “untapped natural beauty”. He underscored the growing significance of eco-tourism and the need to promote Chamrour as a prominent tourist destination. “Chamrour, nestled in the district of Chamba, is home to the stunning Chamrour lake boasting that its water is said to be the bluest in all of India,” he said, while emphasizing that the lake, which stretches across an impressive 57 kilometers, is surrounded by three states — Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. This unique geographical location makes Chamrour a potential hotspot for tourists seeking a serene and untouched destination.
A Cinematic Revolution: Punjab's Upcoming Film City
In a move to bolster the entertainment industry and provide a platform for local talent, Mann announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art film city in Punjab. The film city project aims to transform Punjab into a thriving hub for the Indian film industry. Mann, addressing the audience, expressed his vision for the Film City and called upon the well-known comedian, Kapil Sharma, who has deep roots in Punjab, along with other Bollywood stars like Sunil Paul and Ehsaan Qureishi, to support and promote this exciting endeavor, besides actively participating in shooting and post-production activities within Punjab. Mann recognized Sharma's influence and connection to the state as a valuable asset in the promotion of Punjab's cinematic aspirations. In response to the Chief Minister's call to action, Kapil Sharma pledged his full support and enthusiasm for the project. Sharma, who was born and raised in Punjab, expressed his surprise and delight after reviewing the Tourism Department's presentation, which highlighted the numerous unexplored tourist destinations within the state.
Streamlining Investment with Green Stamp Papers
Outlining the state government’s efforts to streamline the process of industrial investments in Punjab, Mann introduced the concept of ‘green stamp papers’ for land purchases, designed to simplify the approval process for industrial units. Under this initiative, investors will be required to buy green-colored stamp papers for land purchases, which will signify that they have obtained all the necessary approvals and clearances from various government departments. The government's commitment to ensuring a hassle-free environment for industrialists has garnered significant interest from potential investors.
Historic Saragarhi Memorial Set for Grand Inauguration
Mann also highlighted the historic significance of the Saragarhi Memorial, which is based on the Battle of Saragarhi. The Bollywood film ‘Kesari’ was inspired by this heroic battle, and the state of Punjab has recognized its historical importance, he said. “I will be inaugurating the Saragarhi Memorial, located in Ferozepur, tomorrow,” said Mann, emphasizing the need to honour the 21 brave soldiers who valiantly defended their post against a vastly larger enemy force during the battle. The memorial will serve as a tribute to their sacrifice and heroism.