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CHANDIGARH, SEPT 21
Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and Tourism Minister Hira Singh Gabaria Tourism Minister today gave in principal approval to Tourism Development Master Plan to develop tourism as well coordinated and organized industry besides putting Punjab on World Tourism Circuit.
The Deputy Chief Minister gave the approval after detailed presentation by Mr Hans Carl Jacobsen and Dr. Harsh Verma international consultants of United Nations World Tourism Organisation here last night. The meeting also approved the draft tourism bill that would be enacted as legislation after approval. The tourism bill also includes a comprehensive hotel policy with the objective of focusing development incentives on high quality accommodation. The policy also envisages detailed bylaws and regulations for hotels and all tourism services . Detailed guidelines for establishing and promoting bed and breakfast and tented schemes are also part of tourism master plan. The unique scheme of farm tourism is also part of the policy.
Presiding over the meeting Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal also approved the demonstration tourism project for Patiala, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Sultanpur Lodhi, Nangal and Ropar.
Patiala would be projected as unique Cultural Heritage destination with a system of Heritage Trails. As a part of this plan Medal Collection, Art Museum in the Sheesh Mahel , Moti Bagh Bir , Quila Mubarak, Quila Androon, Durbar Hall, Ran Baas, Garden Pavilions ( Jalau Khana) would be projected as main center of attraction. The old City Gates, traditional handicrafts like Phulkari, Punjabi Jutti and Pottery of Patiala region would be projected as key nodes of tourist interest.
Sultanpur Lodhi would be put on global tourist circuit as a unique religious and cultural heritage destination as “the Birth Place of Sikhism”. As a part of this plan the Holy Kali Bein River, measures taken for green belt protection and gurudwaras linked to Guru Nanakji’s life especially Sri Ber Sahib would be promoted as centers of religious tourism Babe Nanki Dharmshala, the old heritage cow pond Anaj Mandi of Sultanpur Lodhi would make the tourists relive the old traditional charm of this holy city. The main bazar of Sultanpur Lodhi would be spine of heritage trail. It is proposed to convert Quila Sarai, the old gateway into heritage resort.
Similarly in Kapurthala Jagatjit Palace, Gol Kothi , Camera Bagh, Darbar Hall, Baggi Khana Complex , Ghanta Ghar , Panch Mandir, Jalau Khana, Shalimar Bagh and Royal Tombs would give the tourists a royal experience whereas Moorish Mosque , War Memorial , Bhoot Bangla Mansion and Kanjali Wetland would be other centers of attraction in Kapurthala.
Ropar would be projected as unique natural historical as well as cultural destination with Ropar lake , wetland , Ramsar site, Five Star Eco Lodges , Health and Wellness sanctuary. Similarly in Ropar Katli Fish Farm and Leisure Retreat would give the experience of village tourism replete with edutainment, fun and fishing experiences. The Museum , the Fort and Ancient Relics besides the old British Army Trail on the Shivalik Hills would attract International Tourists to this unique destination.
The meeting also approved brand logo of Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board. It was informed in a meeting that tourism map of Amritsar has been published and of Patiala and other cities was in final stages . Mrs. Gitika Kalha , Principal Secretary Tourism informed that the response of travel trade and all major stakeholders to the first corporate news letter of Punjab Heritage Tourism Board was quite encouraging and second condition would be out soon. She said that tourist guide book a comprehensive website was in the final stages.
Prominent amongst those who were participated in the meeting Mr. S.C.Agrawal Chief Secretary Punjab, Mr. D.S.Jaspal, Principal Secretary Transport , Mr. S.S.Sandhu Secretary Urban Development and other senior officers of various departments.
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