Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today outlined his desire to exploit the Musharba, Kalara and Atharwan islands in the dam by creating five star hotels, resorts and water sports activities around them as he took a round of these islands in a steamer along with hoteliers.
The hoteliers included President Oberoi Group Kapil Chopra, Executive Vice President of ITC Hotels Arun Pathak and Executive Director Mukul Anand, Senior Vice President of Taj Hotels D K Berry, MD Starwood Hotels and Resorts Dilip Puri, The Lalit Hotels Ashish Gawari, Vice President of Lemon Tree Hotels Cyrus Madan.
During the discussion, MD Starwood Hotels and Resorts Dilip Puri asked Deputy CM the time limit to establish primary infrastructure along with basic amenities. Badal assured the delegates that it would be accomplished by June next year.
Badal asked the Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal to design the concept of master plan by January in tandem with country's top hoteliers and world-renowned architects so that these islands could be developed as one of the most attractive tourist destinations of the country.
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Executive Vice President of ITC Hotels Arun Pathak asked about the proposed infrastructure facilities for industrialists willing to set up their resorts and hotels.
Referring to environmental and pollution clearances, Badal Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion has been formed for instant delivery of clearances pertaining to all departments.
He said to exploit enormous tourism potential of sub-mountain regions along Shivalik Hills, state has already constituted a Shivalik (Dauldhar) Tourism Development Board and its CEO has been authorized to approve conceptual designs, investment proposals and necessary clearances at the earliest.
Gurdaspur MP Vinod Khanna assured the industry to fulsome cooperation from Punjab and Center to establish this belt as most attractive tourist hub.