Punjab Newsline,Chandigarh :
Saleran Dam to rival Himachal destinations as revived rest houses, film shoots and destination weddings create new employment avenues across Punjab
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday said that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is generating large-scale employment opportunities by systematically developing Punjab’s tourism destinations. He made these remarks after inaugurating the Saleran Dam Eco-Tourism Project in Hoshiarpur, describing it as a major step towards strengthening eco-tourism, boosting local income and placing Punjab prominently on the tourism map of the country.
Addressing media persons, the CM said the Saleran Dam project would soon compete with popular tourism destinations of Himachal Pradesh due to its scenic beauty and modern eco-friendly facilities. He added that the state government’s focused efforts on tourism development have already led to increased employment through film shoots and destination weddings at key locations such as Amritsar, Patiala and Chimraud Lake.
CM Mann said the newly inaugurated eco-tourism project at Saleran Dam has been developed at a cost of ₹2.80 crore and is expected to generate over ₹18 lakh in annual revenue. “More importantly, this project will create direct and indirect employment for local youth and significantly enhance their income,” he said.
Highlighting the infrastructure created under the project, the CM said a dedicated children’s playground spread over 16,000 square feet has been developed with a modern multi-play station. Four eco huts have been constructed for tourist accommodation, while a cafeteria with seating capacity for 80 people has also been set up. An amphitheatre overlooking the dam has been developed to allow visitors to enjoy cultural activities amid natural surroundings.
Emphasising environmental responsibility, CM Mann said the project has been designed with a strong focus on ecological balance. He noted that eco-friendly tourism infrastructure has been created to promote awareness while preserving natural resources. The government, he added, is making sustained efforts to develop tourism in the kandi belt, which has immense untapped potential due to its natural beauty.
The CM criticised previous governments for neglecting these regions and selling government properties to their associates at throwaway prices. “Our government has recovered such properties and revived 52 to 75 abandoned rest houses that had turned into ruins. Today, these rest houses are generating around ₹1 crore in monthly rental revenue,” he said, adding that more such initiatives are in the pipeline.
CM Mann expressed confidence that improved infrastructure would transform the region into a major tourist hub in the coming years. He said tourism-driven economic activity would act as a catalyst in improving the lives of people and placing Punjab firmly on the international tourism map.
Referring to broader governance initiatives, the CM reiterated his government’s commitment to public welfare through schemes such as Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, free power, Aam Aadmi Clinics, education reforms, rural road construction and the Sadak Surakhya Force. He also reaffirmed the promise of providing ₹1,000 per month to women, with provisions to be made in the upcoming budget.
On economic growth, CM Mann said Punjab has partnered with Japanese agency JICA for a ₹1,300 crore investment in horticulture to promote crop diversification and save groundwater. Concluding, he said the government remains fully committed to eradicating drugs, strengthening law and order, and ensuring inclusive development to build a peaceful, progressive and Rangla Punjab.