Cruise Plan Sinks at Pong Dam, Shikara and Paddle Boats to Start from September 15
Dharamshala, Kangra (August 22, 2025):
The much-anticipated cruise tourism project at Pong Dam in Kangra, modeled after the Govind Sagar Lake in Bilaspur, has hit a roadblock. Due to legal and ecological constraints under the Wildlife Protection Act, cruise or mini-cruise operations will not be possible at the site. Instead, tourists will now be able to enjoy Shikara rides and paddle boating starting September 15.
The Department of Tourism has finalized contracts with private operators for launching Shikara services. Initially, four Shikaras will be deployed for public use, with paddle boats also available for a quieter, eco-friendly experience.
Why the Cruise Plan Failed:
Most of the Pong Dam area near Fatehpur and Indora falls within a protected wildlife sanctuary, where commercial activities are strictly prohibited under Indian law. Moreover, operating a cruise or mini-cruise requires a large and unrestricted water body, which is currently not feasible at Pong due to geographic and legal constraints.
Government’s Intentions and Future Possibilities:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had earlier instructed the tourism department to develop Pong Dam into a major tourist destination like Govind Sagar. However, due to the restrictions imposed by the Wildlife Protection Act, the plan had to be scaled down to Shikara and paddle boat rides.
According to Vinay Dhiman, Deputy Director of the Tourism Department in Dharamshala, “Efforts are being made at the government level to seek permissions. If exemptions are granted in the future, cruise services may be launched as well.”
Meanwhile, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports continues to operate adventure and water sports activities in the area, offering tourists a variety of recreational options.
With the launch of Shikara rides, Pong Dam is expected to become a new hotspot for serene and eco-friendly tourism in Himachal Pradesh.
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