Bilaspur: Shikaras, cruises soon at Gobind Sagar Lake, Kol Dam

Bilaspur district will soon introduce water sports and new attractions at the Gobind Sagar Lake and the Kol Dam, inspired by the success of states like Kerala and Goa, officials said on Sunday.

Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu will inaugurate cruises and shikaras on the Gobind Sagar Lake after September 15, marking a significant boost to local tourism, they added.

“Cruises and shikaras will reach here in the next ten to fifteen days. Jet skis, high-tech motorboats and rescue boats have already reached Bilaspur,” Bilaspur Deputy Commissioner Abid Hussain Sadiq said.

With Gobind Sagar lake and Kol Dam as the nucleus, tourism activities in Bilaspur will be developed on the lines of Kerala and Goa, Sadiq said. Bilaspur is the first district in the state to feature such attractions, he added.

Water sports activities at Gobind Sagar Lake are now officially approved by the tourism department, allowing for year-round tourist activities, the DC said.

According to the deputy commissioner, Mandi-Bharari located along the Kiratpur-Nerchowk four-lane will be developed for tourism with attractions such as zipline and skywalk bridge.