AAP Government Boosts Employment Through Tourism Development: CM Mann Inaugurates Saleran Dam Eco-Tourism Project

Hoshiarpur:Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is creating large-scale employment opportunities by developing Punjab’s tourism destinations, as he inaugurated eco-friendly huts at the Saleran Dam Eco-Tourism Project in Hoshiarpur district.

Addressing the gathering and later interacting with media persons, the Chief Minister said that tourism has emerged as a key driver of employment generation in the state. He noted that the increase in film shoots and destination weddings at places such as Amritsar, Patiala and Chimraud Lake has significantly boosted job opportunities for local youth. Mann asserted that the Saleran Dam project would compete with leading tourism destinations of neighbouring Himachal Pradesh.

He said the project has been developed at a cost of ₹2.80 crore and is expected to generate more than ₹18 lakh in annual revenue. “This project will attract tourists, create employment for local youth and enhance their income,” he said.

Detailing the infrastructure created, Mann said a children’s playground spread over 16,000 square feet has been constructed with a multi-play station and other recreational facilities. Four eco huts have been built for tourists, along with a cafeteria having a seating capacity of 80 people. An amphitheatre has also been developed to allow visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the Saleran Dam.

The Chief Minister said the project has been designed with environmental sensitivity, keeping ecological balance at its core. He added that environment-friendly tourism and recreational infrastructure is being created across the state, particularly in the kandi belt, which holds immense untapped tourism potential. “These areas can be developed into ideal tourist destinations attracting visitors from across the country and abroad,” he said.

Mann said successive governments had neglected these regions, resulting in their exclusion from the mainstream development process. “We are now harnessing their natural beauty and tourism potential to give a major boost to the state’s tourism sector,” he said, adding that sustained efforts are underway to develop the entire region.

Highlighting the revival of government properties, the Chief Minister said that 52 rest houses which had earlier turned into ruins have been restored and are now generating nearly ₹1 crore in monthly rental revenue. He accused previous governments of selling government properties to their associates at throwaway prices, adding that his government has recovered such assets. Later, referring to broader tourism infrastructure revival, he said that 75 abandoned rest houses have now been brought back into use and are generating substantial revenue.

He further said restaurants are being developed along rivers for public convenience, whereas earlier such valuable assets were sold to people close to those in power. “Our objective is to strengthen tourism infrastructure in a planned and transparent manner,” he said.

Mann expressed confidence that with improved infrastructure, the region would soon emerge as a major tourist hub. “These areas will act as a catalyst in placing Punjab firmly on the international tourism map,” he said.

The Chief Minister also announced that Punjab’s tableau, depicting the supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji, will be part of the Republic Day parade in New Delhi.

Reiterating his government’s welfare agenda, Mann said that since assuming office in 2022, the AAP government has launched several people-centric initiatives, including the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, free power, Aam Aadmi Clinics, education reforms, water supply to tail-end areas, rural road construction and the Sadak Surakhya Force.

On welfare commitments, he said the government would fulfill its promise of providing ₹1,000 per month to every woman by making the necessary provisions in the upcoming budget. He also expressed hope that the Union government would announce a special package for Punjab in the forthcoming Union Budget, citing the state’s contribution to the nation in every sector.

Referring to economic and agricultural initiatives, Mann said the Punjab government has partnered with the Japanese agency JICA, which will invest ₹1,300 crore to promote horticulture in the state. He said this move would help conserve groundwater and encourage crop diversification.

On law and order, the Chief Minister said it was ironic that those who earlier patronised gangsters were now questioning the government’s efforts. He highlighted campaigns such as ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ and ‘Gangsteraan te Vaar’, aimed at dismantling the networks of drug smugglers and organised crime. “We are committed to building a peaceful, progressive and Rangla Punjab,” he said.

Mann also said anti-drone technology has been deployed along the international border and has shown encouraging results in checking the smuggling of drugs and weapons. He added that Punjab is the first state in the country to adopt this technology to counter cross-border terrorism and narco-terrorism.

He said the government is implementing people-friendly schemes by plugging leakages and ensuring judicious use of public funds. “Our motive is the overall progress of the state and prosperity of its people. If the Centre releases all the funds stalled by it, development in Punjab can be further accelerated,” he added.

Cabinet Minister Barinder Goyal and other senior officials were present on the occasion.