Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann approves Ranjitgarh Tourism Project in hilly areas of Shahpur Kandi, Ranjit Sagar dams in Pathankot district

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accorded in-principle approval to the blueprint of the Ranjitgarh Tourism Project in the hilly areas of Shahpur Kandi and Ranjit Sagar dams in Pathankot district.

Details being finalised

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has, in principle, approved the layout for the project. We are finalising details for instituting the Ranjitgarh Tourist Town Development Authority for working out details of the venture to attract tourists. Vijoy Kumar Singh, Special chief secy to CM

Confirming the development, Special Chief Secretary to the CM Vijoy Kumar Singh said, “Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has, in principle, approved the layout for the project. We are finalising details for instituting the Ranjitgarh Tourist Town Development Authority for working out details of the venture to attract tourists.”

The trails and cultural heritage sites under the proposed Ranjitgarh Waterfront project on the Ravi were being seen as potential dream destinations for off-track travellers.

Originally, the government attempted a 305-acre project here in 2014. The project biddings carried out in 2016, 2011 and 2022 did not yield intended results. In May 2023, CM Mann announced that the area around Ranjit Sagar Dam, especially in Dhar Kalan block, would be developed to promote tourism.

The earlier attempts had failed to attract potential investors mainly due to poor infrastructure, including water, sewers and electricity.

Secretary (Finance) Diprava Lakra said, “The Department of Water Resources has mandated the Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB) to develop infrastructure around Shahpur Kandi Dam. We are upgrading the existing infrastructure in the Ranjit Sagar Dam area to attract private players.”

Giving names of two potential private investors, the blueprint earmarked a township in Jugial, which is situated at a walking distance from the Shahpur Kandi waterfront. A hotel is planned in the Ranjit Sagar lake area of 112 acres.

Major tourist attractions include “Mini Goa”, nature trails, boating in Salari Khud, water skiing and parasailing in Phangota valley etc. Environmental and stage-1 forest clearances facilitating the development of a large area under the project had already been accorded by the state government, sources said.