Boost to water sports: CM launches jet skis, ‘shikara’ rides in Gobind Sagar Lake

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today launched water sports activities, including cruises, 'shikara' rides, houseboats, hi-tech motorboats, jet skis and water scooters in the Gobind Sagar Lake in the Mandi Bharari area of Bilaspur.

He inaugurated the water sports activities and said that the Bilaspur district administration had been instructed to start the tender process for the introduction of cruises and shikara rides in the Kol Dam reservoir also.

Sukhu said that these activities would boost tourism and create ample employment and self-employment opportunities for the local youth. This initiative was expected to benefit local businesses, particularly women and small entrepreneurs, by providing a new marketplace to sell local products, he added.

He said, "Himachal has numerous water bodies with potential for water sports activities, which are being explored. As part of this ambitious project, a scenic 30-km cruise route will be developed from Harnoda in Bilaspur district to Tattapani in Shimla district. This route will offer a unique travel experience to tourists, allowing them to enjoy a memorable cruise towards Shimla via the Kol Dam."

Sukhu said, “With the development of water sports, besides initiatives in religious, rural and eco-tourism, Bilaspur is poised to become a premier attraction, comparable to popular destinations like Kerala and Goa.” He added that the ongoing efforts of the state government would elevate Bilaspur’s status on the tourism map, as the district has natural beauty, cultural heritage and adventure opportunities.

The Chief Minister said that ever since the Congress formed government in the state, efforts had been made to promote tourism in a big way, as it would open avenues for direct and indirect employment opportunities. He added that tourism was a priority sector for the state government and efforts were underway to promote the green industry and attract investment.

Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, Chairman of the HP Tourism Development Corporation RS Bali, former minister Ram Lal Thakur, former MLAs Tilak Raj Sharma, Babu Ram Gautam and Bumber Thakur were present on the occasion.