Ambika Soni inaugurates Aman Umeed tourist complex at Attari-Wagha international border

Amritsar, Oct 7 : Union Minister of Tourism and Culture Ambika Soni has inaugurated a tourist resort, Aman Umeed Bhawan, earlier popularly known as Neem Chameli at Attari-Wagha international border in Amritsar.

Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal was also present on the occasion.

After inaugurating the complex, Soni said the flow of tourists from across the border will help in further promoting peace between the two countries.

"Tourism has vast potential for employment generation and Institute of Hotel Management set up in the area will provide opportunities for youth to work in the sector," she added.

She said Punjab has potential to develop MICE tourism in a big way and the Centre will provide all help to establish a Convention Centre in the State.

"The Aman Umeed Bhawan project is fully funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India which has provided the grant of Rs. 123.69 lakh towards the development of this resort," she added.

The complex has the built up area of about 10,000 sq. ft. and is spread over 1.75 acres of land, with the facilities of restaurants, bar, shops, rooms and toilet facilities for the domestic as well as foreign tourists, and in particular from Pakistan. It also has facilities like reception, lobby, bar and restaurant.

Amritsar has also been provided the financial support from the Ministry of Tourism for other projects like the integrated development of Amritsar with the financial support of Rs. 482.80 lakh in the year 2005-06 which consists of the components of environmental upgradation of Ghanta Ghar Chowk, Tourist facilities at Rambagh, Punjab Freedom Struggle Interpretation Centre at Govindgarh.

The city has also been sanctioned a mega project with the total grant of Rs. 1585.53 lakh in this financial year which comprises the major components on composite cultural heritage walk, darshan five sarovar path, conservation and revitalization of Town Hall, rural art, craft and architectural interpretation center, conservation of samadhis, visitor facilitation centre at the bus terminus, Lahori Gate site development, landscaping and horticulture.

Amritsar has thus been identified as one of the mega destinations or circuits out of the twenty two identified by the Ministry of Tourism in the country for integrated development.

ANI