Making the pitch for transforming Punjab into a tourism and cultural hub globally, the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu today said that the unique cultural heritage bestowed by noted architect Ram Singh would be preserved for posterity concerning which a novel roadmap has been prepared by the department. He further said that the draft proposal of the scheme aimed at attracting tourists would be placed before the Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh for approval in a week’s time and the Chief Minister would himself announce the 4 circuits namely- Religious, Maharaja (Princely States), Sufi & Mughal.In a statement here, Mr. Sidhu said that the architectural wonders brought to life by Architect Ram Singh includes Darbar Hall Sangrur, Kapurthala and Khalsa College Amritsar which would be preserved and perfectly maintained for the sake of coming generations. He also revealed that architect Ram Singh also has to his credit various other architectural masterpieces like-Queen Victoria summer home in London, Governor House in Shimla and Lahore Museum.He also disclosed that the team from UNESCO toured cultural sites at Patiala, Sangrur, Nabha, Amritsar and Kapurthala. He also revealed that he aims to get glorious cultural and historical sites of Punjab listed as world heritage sites so as to ensure their further upkeep.
Elaborating more, the minister said that out of the 4 circuits, the Religious one would include 3 takht sahiban of Punjab besides other places of religious significance. He also assured that the devotees would be provided with all facilities to enable them to visit these places. Under the Maharaja circuit, the places of cultural and historical importance and forts in Patiala, Nabha, Sangrur (part of erstwhile Jind State), Kapurthala and Faridkot would be included. Similarly, under the Mughal circuit various places e.g. Qila Sarai Sultanpur Lodhi, Mughal Sarai Doraha, Mughal Sarai Shambhu, Kalanaur would be connected to attract tourists in large number. The Sufi circuit would see Sufi Sammelans being organized on the sacred land of Baba Sheikh Farid and Baba Bulle Shah.Mr. Sidhu expressed supreme confidence that with various cultural sites in Punjab getting recognition on worldwide scale, the tourism and cultural affairs department would become self sufficient from economic perspective besides increase in the inflow of tourists. He said that his main aim is to ensure successful implementation of the scheme being formulated as per the directions of the Chief Minister in order to make Punjab a leading player in tourism sector.