Punjab Forest Dept. Unveils 3 Eco-Tourism Projects in Pathankot & Hoshiarpur”

In a bid to provide tourists with access to hidden gems, the Punjab Forest Department has announced its ambitious scheme to establish three distinct eco-tourism projects across Pathankot and Hoshiarpur. An official statement on Thursday detailed the department’s vision, which encompasses the development of an eco-tourism hub on the Kulara island near Ranjit Sagar reservoir in Pathankot, as well as two additional projects situated at Talwara and Maili dam in Hoshiarpur.

The initiatives will cover a wide array of attractions. They involve building weather-resistant camping huts, developing water sports facilities, establishing nature trails, bird-watching zones, exciting jeep safaris, and immersive nature interpretation centers.

This endeavor builds upon the department’s existing efforts, with ongoing projects located at the foothills of the Shivalik mountain range in Chohal and Thana dam in Hoshiarpur, Dhar in Pathankot, and Siswan in Mohali.

Speaking about the venture, Punjab Forest Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing eco-tourism projects. Forest Conservator (North Circle) Sanjeev Tiwari revealed, “We have outlined an expansive eco-tourism venture that spans 18 acres on the Kulara island in Pathankot’s Dhar… Our plans involve the construction of 20 cottages on the island, offering an array of activities, including captivating water sports.”

Punjab Forest Department Unveils Plans for 3 Exciting Eco-Tourism Ventures in Pathankot and Hoshiarpur

Tiwari went on to describe the eco-park in Talwara, noting that it will provide visitors with a panoramic view of the city from the vantage point of ‘Hawa Mahal,’ a prominent hill. The project will cover an acre of forest land, he confirmed.

Experts stress that fostering awareness, enhancing connectivity, ensuring high-quality accommodations, and promoting responsible tourism are integral to this venture’s success. They also emphasize the need for streamlined regulations that encourage private sector involvement in the restoration of heritage sites. Drawing inspiration from the successful strategies of states like Madhya Pradesh, they posit that these tactics could serve as a blueprint for promoting privatization in the sector.

Tiwari affirmed, “Our primary objective is to spotlight the untouched landscapes of Punjab while simultaneously raising awareness about the region’s wildlife and biodiversity.”

Remarkably, local communities are active participants in these eco-tourism undertakings, with a significant portion of the profits allocated toward village development, according to the official statement.

The department’s endeavors have already garnered enthusiastic responses, as seen in the popularity of their nature awareness retreat camps at Chamrod village in Dhar (Pathankot) and Chohal and Thana Dam in Hoshiarpur.

Tiwari revealed, “In the Chamrod project, often referred to as ‘Mini Goa,’ we are even contemplating the addition of paragliding, parasailing, and jet skiing.”

These projects are poised to offer tourists unique opportunities to witness wildlife in their natural habitats, including captivating species such as leopards, deer, and a diverse array of migratory birds, as highlighted by the official statement.

In Pathankot, the department has also established an interpretation center, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation.