A major stopover for migratory birds in north India and a wetland of international importance, Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal’s Kangra district is set for a fresh eco-tourism push.
The Himachal government proclaimed the reservoir as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1983, with the final notification in 1999. The lake was declared as a wetland of national importance by the government of India in 1994 and was the first wetland in the state to be designated a Ramsar Site in 2002.
The agreement aims to promote Kangra and Pong Dam Lake as a sustainable eco-tourism destination while ensuring that tourism development does not adversely impact sensitive ecosystems. It also provides for sustainable construction, waste management and compliance with environmental safeguards laid down by the central and state government. All activities will be carried out strictly under the supervision of the biodiversity conservation society. Once individual projects are completed, they will be handed over to operators selected through a due process for operation and maintenance. The operator will be selected through an expression of interest or notice inviting tender, followed by preparation of a request for proposal and shortlisting the operator.
Kangra district tourism development officer Vinay Dhiman said, “We will earmark the boundaries of the area and the activities, keeping in mind its eco-sensitivity and conservation.
