CHANDIGARH: In a significant decision to boost tourism in the state, the Centre government on Wednesday agreed in principle to sanction Rs.25 crore for developing Amritsar as a "Major Tourist Destination". 

An assurance to this effect was given by Union Tourism & Culture Minister Mrs.Ambika Soni to Punjab Chief Minister .Parkash Singh Badal in a meeting held at her residence.  It may be recalled that Centre had already sanctioned Rs.5 crore under "Normal Destination Development Scheme" for Amritsar . 

Taking part in the deliberations, Badal urged the Union Tourism & Culture Minister to allot a special project to develop 'River Tourism' along the banks of river Satluj and the prestigious Ranjit Sagar Dam at Shahpur Kandi as it had a tremendous untapped tourism potential which could be exploited optimally.   He demanded Rs.6.5 crore for the preservation and development of the historic Bahadurgarh Fort in Patiala and Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala districts.  Besides, the Chief Minister also raised the demand for the grant of Rs.5 crore for the development of Hoshiarpur as a "Normal Tourist Destination".

The Chief Minster also sought Soni's personal intervention to prevail upon the Ministry of Railways to ensure that the original pattern of revenue sharing between the state government and the railways on 50:50 instead of 45:55 basis as raised by Indian Railways Catering & Tourism Corporation for running a luxury train in Punjab was maintained as the Ministry of Tourism was the nodal agency for this project.  

Responding to the demands put forth by the Chief Minister, .Soni suggested to engage the services of the conservationists and experts to be recommended by Ministry of Tourism for the promotion of river tourism in the state.  She also asked Badal to send a team of officers of state tourism department to discuss the ways and means with the officials of the Ministry of Tourism for the implementation of the various Centrally sponsored schemes and plans for the promotion of tourism and culture.   She also suggested the state government to rename the Wagah Beautification Plan as Attari-Wagah Beautification Plan.

Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Principal Secretary to Chief Minister DS Guru, Principal Resident Commissioner Anjuly Chib Duggal and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Gurkirat Kirpal Singh.