Water sports launched in Gobind Sagar Lake

Kullu: Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday inaugurated water sport activities in Gobind Sagar Lake in the Mandi Bharari area of Bilaspur. These include cruise rides, shikara rides, houseboats, hi-tech motorboats, jet skis and water scooters, marking a new chapter in the region’s tourism.The CM said these activities would boost tourism potential and create ample employment opportunities for the local youth. Alongside tourism, this initiative is expected to benefit local businesses, particularly women and small entrepreneurs, by providing them a new marketplace to sell local products. It will enhance the income and foster economic stability of the people of the region, said Sukhu. “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,” said the CM.He said the ongoing efforts of the govt would elevate Bilaspur’s status on the Himachal Pradesh’s tourism map, creating diverse experiences that highlight the district’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and adventure opportunities.“This comprehensive approach is expected to bring significant growth, attracting a broad spectrum of tourists and contributing to the region’s economic development,” he said.Sukhu said the Bilaspur district administration had been instructed to start the tender process for introducing cruises and shikara rides on Kol Dam reservoir also. As part of this ambitious project, a scenic 30-km cruise route will be developed from Harnoda in Bilaspur district to Tattapani in Shimla district, he informed. The route will offer a unique travel experience for tourists, allowing them to enjoy a memorable cruise towards Shimla via Kol Dam, the CM added.Sukhu also took a ride on a jet ski before enjoying a scenic cruise.Later, interacting with the mediapersons, the chief minister said ever since the formation of the Congress govt in the state, efforts had been made to promote tourism, and before the current govt completes its two-year term, cruise and other water sports activities had already been started in Bilaspur.“Who could have imagined two years ago that Bilaspur would have cruises, jet skis and shikaras, but the Congress govt has made it possible,” Sukhu added.

PM to virtually inaugurate CIMS speciality hospital in Bilaspur tomorrow

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) Super Speciality Hospital in Bilaspur. Built at a cost of Rs 200 crore, the hospital will be operational in four phases, beginning with OPD, ward, ICCU, and dialysis facilities. Additionally, Raipur will get a 100-bed Central Research Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy.

Bomb threat on Delhi bound flight at Bilaspur airport turns out to be hoax

A bomb threat on a Delhi-bound flight from Bilaspur caused temporary chaos when 22 passengers were deboarded for a security check. The bomb squad and authorities conducted a thorough investigation, which revealed the threat to be a hoax. The flight, originally scheduled to stop in Prayagraj, subsequently proceeded directly to Delhi.

Bilaspur civil body & dist panchayat ink novel waste management pact

In Bilaspur, the district panchayat and municipal corporation have partnered to manage faecal sludge and plastic waste. This cooperation involves sharing resources to enhance cleanliness in rural areas, addressing the lack of desludging vehicles, and utilizing waste management units. The agreement aims to streamline operations and improve waste disposal efficiency across urban and rural sectors.

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