Chandigarh January 11: Giving a major boost to tourism in the State, Haryana Government has decided to develop Pipli in Kurukshetra as a world class Tourist Hub. The Tourist Hub which will be developed on Saraswati Setu in Pipli would attract tourists from within the country and abroad and also place Haryana on the international tourist map.

A decision to this effect was taken in the meeting of Haryana Sarasvati Heritage Development Board (HSHDB) held under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Lal here today.

The Tourist Hub in Pipli would be developed by Haryana Sarasvati Heritage Development Board (HSHDB). Apart from  boating, the Tourist Hub would also offer a wide range of facilities like restaurants, parks, museums etc to the visitors. The State Government is already developing Adi Badri in Yamunangar as a tourist destination.

It was also decided in the meeting that five-six water bodies would be developed in Yamunangar and Kurukshetra districts for the storage of excess water during the rainy season so that the same could be utilized for irrigation and related purposes. This would not only significantly boost the tourism activities in the area but also improve the underground water level in Kurukshetra, Pehowa, Ladwa and Radaur.

It was informed that Sarawati River project is a prestigious project of the State Government as the water flowing in the River would not only help in overcoming the problem of dark zones in Yamunanagar, Karnal and Kaithal districts but also the un-channelized water which adversely affects the crops in the fields could be effectively utilized for irrigating fields and beautification of rural ponds.

It was also informed that Haryana Sarasvati Heritage Development Board (HSHDB) is going to organize 3-days International Saraswati Mahotsav-2021 from February 14 to February 16, 2021 at Adi Badri and Pehowa to showcase the rich heritage and history of the sacred river Saraswati where all of the ancient scriptures including the Vedas and Upanishads were written. The event would be open to the public and entry would be free.

It was further informed that during the International Saraswati Mahotsav-2021, one day International Seminar on Saraswati would be organized on February 15, 2021 in which Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Lal would be the Chief Guest and would digitally deliver his address. Representatives of 16 countries would participate in this International Seminar. It was also informed that on the pattern of Maha Aarti on Brahma Sarover, evening Aarti would be performed in Adi Badri on February 14, 2021 and in Pehowa on February 16, 2021.

Among those present in the meeting included Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Haryana Sarasvati Heritage Development Board (HSHDB), Mr Vijayendra Kumar, Advisor in CM Office, Mr Yogender Chaudhry, Project Director, Haryana School Shiksha Pariyojna Parishad, Mr Rajneesh Garg and Deputy Chairman, HSHDB Mr Dhuman Singh Kirmach.