Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh – Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated a range of water sports activities at Gobind Sagar Lake in Mandi Bharari, Bilaspur, on Tuesday. The newly introduced activities include cruises, shikara rides, houseboats, hi-tech motorboats, jet skis, and water scooters, all aimed at enhancing the region’s tourism potential while creating employment opportunities for local youth.
In addition to boosting tourism, Sukhu emphasized that this initiative would significantly benefit local businesses, particularly women and small entrepreneurs, by providing a marketplace for selling local products. This move is expected to improve income levels and foster economic stability in the region.
During the inauguration, Sukhu expressed his vision for Bilaspur’s future as a tourism hub, stating, “With the development of water sports, alongside initiatives in religious, rural, and eco-tourism, Bilaspur is poised to become a premier attraction, comparable to popular destinations like Kerala and Goa.” He highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to elevate Bilaspur’s status on Himachal Pradesh’s tourism map.
The Chief Minister also announced that the Bilaspur district administration has been directed to initiate the tender process for introducing cruises and shikara rides on the Kol Dam reservoir. A scenic 30-km cruise route is planned, stretching from Harnoda in Bilaspur district to Tattapani in Shimla district.
In addition to the water sports launch, Sukhu inaugurated Himachal Pradesh’s first digital library in Bilaspur. This facility, designed to accommodate 40 people, offers approximately 2,500 books, including offline access to NCERT and CBSE materials for students from Classes 1 to 12. Resources for college courses, competitive exams, and a variety of educational books are also available.
Later in the day, Sukhu flagged off the Tonglen mobile clinic bus service in Dharamshala at the Circuit House. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare services directly to the community. “As part of this initiative, one health institution in each assembly constituency will be upgraded to a model health institution, with Rs. one crore allocated for each to purchase necessary machinery and equipment,” he stated. An action plan is underway to improve health and education services to ensure better access to facilities for residents.
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