Opinion of local experts should be taken in developing Pong dam area: Hemraj Bairwa
Deputy Commissioner Kangra, Hemraj Bairwa, emphasized the importance of involving locals and experts in developing the Pong Dam area for tourism under Swadesh Darshan 2.0. He stressed the need for local participation in expanding tourism activities tailored to the region. This was discussed during the District Destination Management Committee meeting, which he presided over.
The meeting focused on the master plan for developing the Pong Dam area under Swadesh Darshan 2.0. The Deputy Commissioner suggested that the consultancy firm should also engage with locals to identify suitable tourism activities and projects for the area.
He highlighted the state government’s commitment to developing District Kangra as the tourism capital of Himachal Pradesh. Special efforts are being made by the government and district administration to promote tourism in the Pong Dam area, which has been selected for development under Swadesh Darshan 2.0. The areas of Matiyal, Khatiyar, Nangal Chowk, Nagarota Suriya, and Haripur Guler will be developed with a focus on tourism.
Land Selected in Khatiyad
Hemraj Bairwa announced that land has been selected in Khatiyad for developing tourism activities under Swadesh Darshan 2.0. District officials inspected the site on August 14, and the process of transferring the selected land to the department’s name will now proceed. Plans include building cottages, pools, spas, and restaurants, as well as promoting water sports, adventure sports, local food, culture, and art.
Environmentally Sensitive Construction
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that the Pong Dam area is environmentally sensitive, so construction should be mindful of the natural surroundings. The less disruption to the local environment, the better. He noted that tourists from busy city routines would appreciate staying in a quiet place amidst nature. Therefore, walking and cycling trails should be created. The master plan, developed by a private consultancy firm, should also include waste management strategies.
Attendees
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Saurabh Jassal, District Tourism Development Officer Vinay Dhiman, and representatives from the private consultancy firm Voyants Solutions Pvt. Ltd. SDM Dehra Shilpi Bekta, SDM Fatehpur Vishrut Bharti, SDM Jawali Bachitra Singh, and DFO Wildlife Roston participated via video conference.
