Chandigarh: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government has undertaken several significant initiatives in 2024 for the promotion of tourism and the flourishing of the cultural sector in the state.
Providing details, Punjab’s Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, stated that more than Rs. 73 crore was spent this year on the preservation, restoration, and modernization of ancient and historical monuments related to tourism and culture. Many new projects were inaugurated, while several others aimed at boosting tourism were launched this year.
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to revitalizing Punjab’s rich heritage and enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination, which includes, upgradation and renovation of Shaheed Bhaghat Singh Museum and Light & Sound Show at Khatkar Kalan, Ultra-modern Bus Terminal and Interpretation Centre at Sri Chamkaur Sahib, Nature Park and Tourist Facilitation Centre at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Beautification of Naina Devi Road, Beautification of Virasat-E-Khalsa Road and Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial (First Phase) Inauguration (only building) at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Inauguration of Conservation and Renovation of Sarai Lashkari Khan near Khanna, inauguration of Saragarhi Museum at Ferozpur, Sarad Khana and Darbar Hall Facade Lighting at Patiala.
He further said that CM also Inaugurated Bhagwan Valmiki Ji Panorama on 17-10-2024 and the Department of Tourism, has launched permanent light and sound of 20 Minutes including seating capacity of approx. 80 peoples with the cost of Rs. 2.76 cr. at Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Summer Palace at Ram Bagh garden Amritsar during the Rangala Punjab Festival at Amritsar to remember the brave warriors of Punjab.
Sond said that during the year 2024, The Department has celebrated 21 Fair & Festivals in the State to promote its rich culture and heritage which includes, Basant Festival at Ferozepur, Bathinda Virasati Mela, Kila Raipur Rural Olympics, Kapurthala Heritage Festival, Nature Festival and Holla Mohalla & Nihang festival at Sri Anandpur Sahib etc.
Among all, Heritage festival Rangla Punjab was celebrated by the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs from 23rd to 29th February 2024 at Amritsar. The main objective of the Rangla Punjab Festival was to promote Punjab Tourism sector to position the state as the leading tourism state globally. A series of events of this stature spread over one week of this festival were celebrated with activities highlighting Drama & literature from Punjab, Grand shopping festival, Greenathon, Cultural Street performance, digital Punjab, music concerts, Seva Street and Art Walk etc.
The Minister informed that under PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive), projects worth Rs. 31.56 crore have been started for the development of Sri Chamkaur Sahib to promote it as a religious and pilgrimage destination. Ferozpur (Hussainiwala Border) under Culture & Heritage Category and Rupnagar (Anandpur Sahib) under Spiritual Tourism were selected by Ministry of Tourism under this scheme. The total funding for each destination is Rs. 25 Crore.
Restoration and conservation work of various monuments and heritage properties of Punjab Government such Mughal Sarai Doraha, Sarai Lashkari Khan Khanna, Sarad Khana, Patiala, Fort at Rampura Phul, Old Public Health Building at Patiala, Shahi Samadha, Entry Gate and Hawa Mahal at Shalimar Garden Kapurthala, Quila Sarai Sultanpur Lodhi are being carried out.
Punjab government is taking up the development works to facilitate the tourists visiting the state of Punjab. The facilities like construction of parking, public facilities, beautification works etc. have been created at different locations/ tourist spots in the state.
Sond said that during the year, Punjab Tourism participated in various trade exhibitions in locations like Mumbai, New Delhi, Patna, Ahmedabad, Amritsar and Jaipur for promotion of Tourism. The Department has also participated in FITUR Madrid from 24-28 Jan 2024 and ITB Berlin from 5-7 March 2024.
He said that Punjab’s Ranking in the Nidhi Plus Portal is 1st Rank ln the Month of November to upload most attractions/destinations. Total 263 attractions/destinations has been uploaded for Punjab. Similarly, Utsav portal updates Fairs & festivals of India in which 68 festivals has been uploaded for Punjab. The State Ranking in the Utsav Portal of Ministry of Tourism is 8th Rank in the Month of November 2024.
Sond further said that, last year a total of 750 villages from 31 states and Union Territories applied for the Best Tourism Village Award 2023 and out of the final 35 villages, Nawanpind Sardaran District Gurdaspur was awarded as India's Best Tourism Village-2023. This year Hansali farmstay of District fatehgarh sahib has been awarded for India's Best Tourism Village-2024 in Agri-Tourism category by the Government of India. Punjab Tourism & Cultural Affairs department was awarded in the North zone State Museum Yuga Yugeen conference at Bharat Museum Conclave held at Bharat Mandapam from 1- 3 Aug at New Delhi.