Chandigarh, February 22:
To promote Siswan as a prime and preferred Eco Tourism destination, CM of Punjab Capt. Amarinder Singh on Monday released various promotional and informational materials including brochures, pamphlets and movie teasers in his office at the Secretariat, Chandigarh. A logo of Siswan Community Reserve was also launched.
The Chief Minister said that Siswan is to be developed as world class tourist destination. Keeping in mind the immense tourism potential of the area, various initiatives have been taken up in the area. Primarily, the visitor amenities like Nature Interpretation Center, Thematic Gates and signage, food court, washroom facilities, nature trails, jungle safari would be provided. The conservation issues like introduction of spotted deer, wild hares and other species which once thrived in the area but have reduced in numbers through the years, are also being addressed.
The CM said that the development of tourist friendly infrastructure and amenities coupled with promotional activities will lead to increase in footfall which will subsequently benefit the local community by way of additional job creation and various income generating activities.
He also appreciated the successful organisation of the Punjab Bird Festival which has received widespread acclaim from various parts of the country also and released the proceedings of the festival called Retrospect.
Pertinently, situated on the foothills of the Shiwaliks, Siswan has dense forests, pristine water and rich biodiversity making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. The area has a rich history, with fossil records indicating the presence of the Soanian civilisation. The area also falls in the old trade route connecting India with the middle Asian countries and Eastern Europe.
Senior officials of the Govt, including Smt. Ravneet Kaur IAS ACS Forest, Sh. Jitendra Sharma IFS PCCF (HoFF), Sh. R.K. Mishra, Chief Wildlife Warden, Sh. Basanta Raj Kumar, IFS, CCF (Wildlife) and Dr. Monika Yadav, IFS DFO (Wildlife) Ropar were present at the function.
