The Forests and Wildlife Preservation Minister, Punjab, Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak today laid the foundation stone of a Nature Awareness Camp at Hawa Mahal in Government Forest Karanpur C-3(B) at Talwara - 2 range under Dasuya Division. The Cabinet Minister further pointed out that this project is being developed under Eco tourism which would cost Rs. 80 Lakh.
This camp would be a first of it's kind near to the pong dam. It would include 2 temporary huts, 1 Kitchen, 1 dining hall and canteen for the local people. A nature trail would also come up from camp to Talwara, a 2 Km distance.
Besides, water sports facility would also be there for the tourists at Shah Canal barrage. Now, Pong Dam, which is a home for the migratory birds, would be a new stay for the tourists.
The Minister also said that the Forest Department is also training local youth as nature guide who would also make tourists aware about nature's beauty apart from taking them to see the birds. This project would be based on Income Sharing Model which would increase the income of local people.
He further divulged that rock Garden near Talwara is already a centre of attraction for the tourists. Furthermore, Chauhal Dam on Hoshiarpur apart from Maili Dam, Thana Dam and Dhar area in Pathankot have been developed as eco tourism centre with more in the offing.
Among others present on the occasion included the MLA Karambir Singh Ghuman, PCCF (HoFF) Dharminder Sharma, Conservator of Forests (North Circle) Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Tiwari, DFO Anjan Singh Talwara - 2 and DFO Hoshiarpur Amneet Singh.