Khalsa heritage complex boosts Anandpur Sahib’s economy

Sarbjit Dhaliwal

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Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 25

Anandpur Sahib has emerged as a growth hub in the area thanks to the Khalsa Heritage Memorial Complex (Virasat-e-Khalsa). Nestled in the Shivalik foothills about 70 km from here, Anandpur Sahib is a small town having no commercial activity, except the religious tourism.

More than 51 lakh persons, including a large number of NRIs, have visited the heritage complex since its opening on November 27, 2011. It has become a major religious tourist place in this part of the country.

With the coming up of the heritage complex, the economy of Anandpur Sahib and its surrounding areas has got a big boost. A large number of commercial establishments, including hotels, dhabas, vehicle repair shops etc. have come up in an area of radius 50 km. Transport business has also got a big boost.

The World Bank got a study conducted by the Centre for Research and Industrial Development (CRRID) about the boost lent to the economy of the area by the complex. Prof Sucha Singh Gill, who, along with Dr Sukhvinder Singh, conducted the study, says an all-season tourist circuit, involving Anandpur Sahib, Naina Devi and Bhakra Dam, has developed.

The famous Naina Devi temple is not far from Anandpur Sahib. From temple hill top, one can see the beautiful Gobind Sagar on which Bhakra Dam was established about five decades ago. “The area falls on the route to Kullu, Manali and Rohtang Pass from Delhi and Chandigarh. The tourism has generated employment opportunities in the non-farming sector for youths,” said Prof Gill. Land prices had also gone up in the area, he added.

With an increase in the construction activity in the region, the demand for vegetables and milk has also gone up. “More than 37 per cent establishments engaged in small commercial activities have been earning around Rs 15,000 per month,” said Prof Gill. Nearly 61 per cent establishment reported that more than one person of their family got business opportunity after the coming up of the complex.

“What has made the difference is round-the-year flow of the tourists. Earlier, tourists used to come here on important occasions only. With the opening of the complex, tourists flow remains by and large constant throughout the year,” said Dr Sukhvinder Singh.