Punjab’s tourism landscape got a green upgrade as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched eco-huts at Saleran Dam near Hoshiarpur on Sunday. The move is part of AAP’s broader strategy to stimulate jobs through strategic development of natural attractions.
Mann noted booming sectors like film shooting and weddings at Amritsar, Patiala, and Chamrod Lake as proof of concept. He positioned Saleran as a direct challenger to Himachal Pradesh’s tourist magnets, blending nature with eco-conscious facilities.
A key achievement: renovating 52 obsolete rest houses now earning Rs 1 crore in monthly rentals. The CM didn’t mince words on predecessors’ asset sales to favorites at bargain rates, crediting his administration for recovery and revenue revival.
Post-launch, Mann told reporters this Rs 2.80 crore venture, eyeing Rs 18 lakh annual income, complements the thriving Chohl Dam project. It’s designed to captivate tourists while prioritizing local employment and income growth.
The site boasts a 16,000 sq ft kids’ playground packed with fun activities, four eco-stays, an 80-capacity cafe, and a large amphitheater for dam-side events. These elements ensure broad appeal, from families to event planners.
Mann painted a vibrant future where Punjab’s dams and lakes draw international crowds, harnessing vast opportunities for eco-tourism and positioning the state as a leader in sustainable job creation.