The Aam Aadmi Party-led government in Punjab on Sunday inaugurated a new ecotourism project at the Salerno Dam in Hoshiarpur, signalling a renewed push to strengthen tourism infrastructure while generating employment opportunities for local communities. The project was formally opened by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who described the initiative as an important milestone in the state’s efforts to harness its natural landscapes for sustainable economic growth.
Developed at a cost of ₹2.80 crore, the ecotourism facility has been designed to attract visitors to the scenic dam area while ensuring minimal environmental impact. The project features four eco-huts for tourists, offering a nature-friendly accommodation experience, along with a cafeteria that can seat around 80 people. In addition, the site includes a tree house, a dedicated children’s playground and several other supporting amenities intended to make the destination appealing to families, nature lovers and weekend travellers.
Addressing those present at the inauguration, Mann said the state government was prioritising tourism as a key driver of income generation and job creation. He emphasised that Punjab’s rich natural assets and cultural heritage could be leveraged more effectively to create livelihoods, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions. According to him, the aim was not only to increase tourist footfall but also to ensure that local residents directly benefit from tourism-led development.
The chief minister highlighted that several previously dilapidated government rest houses across Punjab had been renovated and made operational, adding that more small dams and water bodies were being identified for similar tourism initiatives. He also spoke about plans to introduce canal-side restaurants as a means of generating revenue for the government while offering unique experiences to visitors.
Officials associated with the project said the Salerno Dam ecotourism facility was conceptualised with a strong focus on eco-friendly practices. They noted that the initiative would create both direct and indirect employment for people living in nearby villages, ranging from hospitality and maintenance jobs to opportunities for local vendors and service providers.
Mann also outlined other tourism-related developments underway in the Hoshiarpur region, including new facilities at Chohal and Chamrod. Beyond nature-based tourism, he said the government was working to expand film tourism, promote music-centric events and encourage theme-based destination weddings as part of a broader strategy to diversify Punjab’s tourism portfolio.
He added that tourism infrastructure across the state was being upgraded in a phased and systematic manner. This includes modernising old rest houses, improving access roads and amenities, and identifying additional sites with potential for recreational and eco-tourism use. Officials further confirmed that a tender for boating services at the Salerno Dam would be floated soon, adding another attraction for visitors.
With the inauguration of the Salerno Dam ecotourism project, the Punjab government has underscored its intent to give sustained momentum to tourism-driven development, positioning the sector as a long-term contributor to the state’s economy while balancing environmental conservation and community welfare.
