Punjab to develop heritage tourism

The Punjab government is all set to boost the heritage tourism by showcasing its rich cultural heritage sites and buildings.

If everything goes well, the deserted historical heritage "havelis"and monuments in Punjab would undergo makeover. This is expected to attract large number of tourists.

The state government, in order to promote tourism, has decided to convert ancient, historical heritage "havelis" and monuments into heritage hotels through public-private partnership(PPP) model on the lines of Kerala, Gujrat and Rajasthan.

Speaking to Business Standard, Jagjit Puri, secretary, public relations, tourism and cultural affairs said, "The state tourism department would convert 100 year old ancient heritage havelies, castles, and forts into hotels and places of tourist attraction based on PPP model. This would attract the tourists both from within and outside India and also highlight and depict many aspects of ancient cultural heritage of Punjab."

"The upward trend in the tourists arrivals would result in the substantial increase in the exchange earnings," said Puri.

He also said all the deputy commissioners of the state have been directed to submit the geographical and historical details of such buildings lying unused and neglected in their respective districts.

He added that the department was hopeful to get the detailed information about such sites from the deputy commissioners within a month.

The government of India, under various schemes, has been giving adequate financial aid to develop such historical monuments as heritage hotels and havelis, he added.

The department has also requested the respective departments in possession of the heritage monuments to vacate the premises so that they can be restored, maintained and can be opened for tourists.

Earlier, Gobingarh Fort in Amritsar, which was occupied by army, has been handed over to the state government for restoration.

"Besides this, the department would also ask owners of such properties to partner with the state tourism department in promoting tourism," said Puri.

Also, the Punjab government has signed an agreement with the Neemrana Hotels Private Ltd to convert Rajendra Kothi, Patiala, into a hotel which is likely to be operational by mid of 2008.

It is also expected that the Khalsa Heritage Complex, a unique project of the Punjab government being constructed at Sri Anandpur Sahib, the birth place of Khalsa Panth would be dedicated to the humanity on the auspicious day of Hola Mohalla in the year 2009.

According to an official spokesman, this Rs 224 crore novel project, one of its kind in the world, has been conceived to depict the evolution of Khalsa Panth, especially to the younger generation and to the Punjabis living abroad.