CM launches water sports activities in Bilaspur’s Kol Dam

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu virtually dedicated eight major development projects to the people of Bilaspur district, from New Delhi today. The projects included the launch of water sports activities at the Kol Dam and a 110 KW rooftop solar power plant at the Deputy Commissioner’s office constructed at a cost of Rs 70 lakh.

The Chief Minister inaugurated the City Livelihood Centre constructed at a cost of Rs 4.5 crore, four space labs constructed at a cost of Rs 40 lakh and a Model Career Centre built at a cost of Rs 2.5 crore.

He said that these projects reflected the commitment of the state government towards the development of Bilaspur district. “Water-based sports activities in the Gobind Sagar Lake will boost water-based adventure tourism in a big way. This initiative will not only help Bilaspur to mark its presence on the tourism map but will also generate new employment opportunities for the local youth,” he added.

The Chief Minister said that the state government had accorded top priority to tourism because it was the highest revenue generating sector. He added that a major chunk of Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue also comes from this sector.

He said, “The vision of his government is to make the state the tourism capital of India. The state government envisions a compact package for tourism promotion, which will integrate religious tourism, eco tourism, water tourism, nature tourism, health tourism, etc., to attract all kinds of tourists from the country and as well abroad.”

Sukhu said that the state would emerge as a hub of water tourism soon. “Cruises, shikaras, houseboats, Jet ski, motorboat and water scooter facilities are being developed at the Gobind Sagar Lake and other water bodies of the state. This will not only boost water sports activities but also generate employment for the local youth,” he added.

He said that the government also intended to provide 5 per cent interest subvention on loans to the Himachali youth for the construction of hotels and homestays. He added that the government had decided to develop new tourist destinations in the state at a cost of Rs 2,400 crore. Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani thanked the Chief Minister for the announcements for the development of Bilaspur district.

Himachal Tribune