The Punjab government today wooed a clutch of hoteliers by showcasing them the tourism potential at Ranjit Sagar dam.
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.
Besides representative of realty giant DLF group were also present, said an official release here.
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.
Executive Vice President of ITC Hotels Arun Pathak asked about the proposed infrastructure facilities for industrialists willing to set up their resorts and hotels.
Badal said Punjab would provide ultra modern infrastructure facilities right from 6-lane road network from Pathankot Airport to Phagonta, uninterrupted power supply with all clearances and NOCs within a month on a single application.
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.
He said he was also keen to invite film industry here to make them aware about the natural beauty of Shivalik Ranges falling adjoining Ranjit Sagar Dam.
