Hoshiarpur, January 25
Reacting sharply on the law and order situation in the state, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has categorically said, “It is ironic that those who patronised gangsters are now questioning the law and order situation.” He said the government has launched campaigns like ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ and ‘Gangsteraan te Vaar’ to break the backbone of drug smugglers and gangsters. “We are fully committed to eradicating social evils and building a peaceful, progressive and Rangla Punjab,” he said.
Mann was speaking to the mediapersons after inaugurating eco-friendly huts at Saleran Dam. The Chief Minister stated anti-drone technology has been deployed along the border and is yielding encouraging results in checking the inflow of drugs and weapons. “Our aim is to stop cross-border terrorism and narco-terrorism. Punjab is the first state in the country to adopt this technology,” he said, adding that the government is making continuous efforts for the welfare of every section of society.
Meanwhile, talking about the eco-friendly huts, Mann said that they are giving major push to eco-tourism and job creation in the state. He said that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is increasing employment by developing Punjab’s tourism destinations. He said that film shoots and destination weddings at Amritsar, Patiala and Chimraud Lake have also led to a rise in employment opportunities, adding that the Saleran Dam project will compete with tourism destinations of Himachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister said the AAP government has revived 52 rest houses that had turned into ruins and that they are now generating ₹1 crore in monthly rental revenue. He said previous governments sold government properties to their friends at throwaway prices, but the present government has recovered those assets.
Interacting with media persons after inaugurating the Saleran Dam Eco-Tourism Project, Mann said, “Today we have inaugurated the Saleran Dam Eco-Tourism Project to further strengthen tourism infrastructure in the state. Earlier, the Chohal Dam project has been running successfully, and this new initiative will add another attractive destination for tourists.”
The Chief Minister said the project has been conceived at a cost of ₹2.80 crore and is expected to generate more than ₹18 lakh in annual revenue. “This project will attract tourists to the area, create job opportunities for local youth and significantly boost their income,” he added.
Highlighting the facilities created under the project, the Chief Minister said, “A special playground spread over 16,000 square feet has been constructed for children, with a multi-play station and other recreational activities.” He further said, “Four eco huts have been constructed for tourists to stay, and a cafeteria with seating capacity for 80 people has also been built.”
Mann added that a large amphitheatre has been developed to enjoy the scenic views of Saleran Dam, noting that “this project will prove highly significant in giving a major fillip to eco tourism in Punjab.”
The Chief Minister said the project has been developed with a focus on environmental sensitivity and awareness. “Environment-friendly tourism and recreational infrastructure has been created, keeping ecological balance in mind,” he said, adding that the Punjab government is making sustained efforts to promote tourism in the kandi belt of Punjab. “There is immense potential in these areas, and they can be developed as ideal tourist destinations to attract visitors from across the globe,” he said.
