CM vows to develop ‘Bathu ki Ladi’ as a year-round tourist destination

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the historical ‘Bathu ki Ladi’ temples in the Pong Wetland, Jawali Assembly constituency, on Sunday, reigniting hopes of transforming the underdeveloped site into a premier tourist destination. Known as “mini-Goa”, the spot attracts thousands of visitors from Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring states but suffers from a lack of basic tourism infrastructure.

Speaking to media, the Chief Minister acknowledged the immense untapped tourism potential of ‘Bathu ki Ladi’ and committed to developing the area to attract tourists year-round. Accompanied by Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Chander Kumar and Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, Sukhu visited the site by motorboat and expressed optimism about its prospects.

‘Bathu ki Ladi,’ located 2.5 km from Guglara, comprises a cluster of 1,200-year-old temples, including a central Lord Shiva shrine surrounded by 15 smaller temples. The site remains submerged in the Pong Reservoir for eight months of the year, re-emerging in March as water levels recede. Its mythological significance is linked to the Mahabharata, and the area’s serene landscape, resembling a Goa beach, draws tourists for activities like photography, pre-wedding shoots and birdwatching.

The Tribune has repeatedly highlighted the neglect of this unique site by successive governments. Environmentalists stress that developing this eco-friendly destination would boost the local rural economy and preserve its natural beauty. Sukhu’s visit has raised hopes for sustainable development, ensuring the site’s historical and ecological value is protected while enhancing its tourist appeal.