The Punjab Government has sanctioned Rs 5 crore for the development of ‘Light and Sound’ show at the National Martyrs Memorial at the Indo-Pak border at Hussainiwala in Ferozepur district of Punjab.
This was revealed by government functionaries during the 3rd webinar of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Border Tourism Webinar Series focusing on Ferozepur district for the promotion of Border Tourism in Punjab.
Ferozepur had immense tourist potential but it has not been promoted due to lack of awareness and promotion. The Indo-Pak border at Hussainiwala in Ferozepur district has a unique presentation and can outshine the Beating Retreat Ceremony at Wagah Border, experts said.
Delivering the Keynote Address, Mr Gurpal Singh Chahal, Deputy Commissioner – Ferozepur District, Government of Punjab, informed that recently Punjab Government has sanctioned INR 5 crores for the development of Light and Sound Show at the National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala Border.
The Indo-Pak Retreat Ceremony at Hussainiwala Border is a popular activity and can be witnessed from as close as 100 feet from the Zero Line. If developed and marketed properly, this can outshine the retreat ceremony at Wagah Border, Amritsar, he added.
Mr Chahal further said the Harike Wild Life Sanctuary, situated on the confluence of the River Beas and Sutlej at Ferozepur-Amritsar border is one of the most important Wild Life Sanctuaries recognized all over the world. It has potential for promoting eco tourism and other activities like bird watching, boating, Mr Chahal opined.
Mr Chahal pointed out that the only challenge the district faces for promoting tourism is that it doesn’t fall in mainline unlike other cities like Amritsar. He urged the industry members to visit Ferozepur and include it in the tour packages for tourists visiting Punjab.
Mr Rama Kamaraju, Senior Consultant, NITI Aayog, spoke about the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018. He said ADP is based on 49 indicators from the 5 identified thematic areas, which focuses closely on improving people’s Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture & Water Resources, Financial Inclusion & Skill Development and Basic Infrastructure.
Kamaraju said that tourist footfall to any area is directly proportional to the livelihood of the local people. He said Ferozepur district has many historical places, museums, forts, wildlife to offer. Connectivity is a challenge in the district and if addressed properly can certainly help in improving tourism. He suggested the state can look at launching a ‘Desh Bhakti’ circuit which can connect the key tourist places of Punjab.
Appreciating the efforts of the Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Kamaraju informed that Ferozepur district has performed extremely well in the ADP with average growth of 25% in all the thematic areas.
Mr Harsh Mittal, Manager – Marketing and Skill Development, Punjab Heritage & Tourism Promotion Board, described projects and initiatives undertaken by the state government to attract more tourists to the state. He shared that a project ‘Countryside’ has been launched which helps in promoting authentic cuisine, culture and the rural side of Punjab to the tourists.
He further said that there are three retreat ceremonies were being organized at Attari, Ferozepur and Fazilka. While Attari is already a popular tourist attraction, the other two needs a push for the promotion of Border Tourism in the state.
Mr Manmeet Singh, Chairman – Punjab Chapter, Indian Association of Tour Operators, mentioned that while Amritsar has been a tourist attraction for years, there is a need to promote Ferozepur and other adjacent areas of Punjab. He said that the government needs to improve the infrastructure at Hussainiwala Border and Saragarhi Memorial so that Film Tourism can be promoted at these areas.
Mr Manasvee Pushkarna, Director of Sales, Taj Hotels, highlighted the need for better road connectivity and accessibility.
Mr R S Sachdeva, Mentor – Punjab State Chapter, PHDCCI, mentioned that Ferozepur district along with other districts of Punjab can play pivotal role in promoting Border Tourism as they have lot of tourist attractions and hospitality facilities. He suggested that rural stays should be organized for the tourists to get a firsthand experience of the local flavour and culture of Punjab.
