Tourists visiting Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district will soon enjoy new water-based adventures at Pong Dam, one of India’s largest man-made reservoirs. The state’s tourism department has approved activities such as Shikara rides, pedal boating, and a floating bird-watching deck to make the destination more attractive for visitors.
The Kangra Water Sports and Allied Activities Society has finalised an operator who will manage these new water sports facilities in a specific zone of Pong Dam. The process of selecting the operator and reviewing the technical details has been completed. Officials confirmed that the certification process is now the only step pending before the activities officially begin.
Tourism officials said these water adventures will take place in a designated 2-square-kilometre area under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS). This area is already used for water sports training and leased to ABVIMAS by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). The institute regularly conducts training programs for water sports and adventure activities in this zone.
With the new operator in place, this same zone will now be open for tourists who wish to experience recreational water adventures. Kangra district tourism development officer Vinay Dhiman said, “The operator has been selected, and the technical committee has already inspected the equipment. Only the certification is pending, which will be completed soon. Once that is done, activities can start.”
Dhiman added that safety will remain a top priority. “Rescue boats will also be available at the site. All necessary safety systems will be installed before activities begin,” he said. The department has planned strict monitoring to ensure that all safety measures are followed while operating the boats and the floating deck.
The introduction of Shikara rides is expected to be one of the major attractions for visitors. Inspired by the famous rides on Dal Lake in Kashmir, these Shikaras will give tourists a peaceful way to enjoy the scenic surroundings of Pong Dam. The floating bird-watching deck will also be an exciting feature for nature lovers, allowing them to observe the wide variety of migratory birds that visit the lake every year.
In another initiative, the District Water Sports and Allied Activities Society is working with the Biodiversity Conservation Society of the wildlife wing to expand tourism opportunities in other parts of Pong Lake. However, these new zones will be outside the area managed by ABVIMAS, as that region mostly falls under the protected wildlife sanctuary.
Officials said they will identify different zones where suitable tourism activities can be allowed. These zones will be developed and implemented according to the master plan prepared for the region. The district administration has also formed a committee to decide what kind of activities can be held in each zone to maintain a balance between tourism and wildlife conservation.
The Pong Dam Lake, also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar, is one of India’s most beautiful and biodiverse water bodies. It was constructed in 1975 on the Beas River and named after Maharana Pratap. The lake is spread over 24,529 hectares (60,610 acres) and serves as a major habitat for hundreds of bird species, including many migratory birds that travel from Central Asia during the winter. Around 15,662 hectares (38,700 acres) of this area form part of a wildlife sanctuary that is internationally recognised as one of the 25 Ramsar wetland sites in India.
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The reservoir is surrounded by the scenic Shivalik hills and is known for its rich flora and fauna. Every year, thousands of migratory birds such as bar-headed geese, pintails, and red-crested pochards visit the lake. The new floating bird-watching deck will help tourists observe these birds closely without disturbing their natural habitat.
According to local officials, these projects will not only boost eco-tourism but also create new livelihood opportunities for the people living around the lake. Local communities are expected to benefit through employment in hospitality, guiding services, and small businesses catering to tourists.
Tourism experts believe that the new plans will turn Pong Dam into a major tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh. With its combination of natural beauty, adventure, and wildlife, the site could attract a large number of visitors from across India and abroad.
The authorities are also planning to ensure that the increased tourist activities do not harm the environment. The tourism department, along with wildlife and biodiversity agencies, will monitor the impact of these projects and ensure sustainable development. Strict rules will be followed to protect the wildlife sanctuary and prevent pollution in the lake area.
Kangra district tourism officer Vinay Dhiman said that the aim is to develop Pong Dam as a model of eco-friendly tourism. “We want visitors to enjoy the beauty of Pong Dam while maintaining its ecological balance. The project will combine adventure, leisure, and nature conservation,” he said.
With Shikara rides, pedal boating, and a floating bird deck soon to start, Pong Dam is set to offer a new kind of travel experience—one that combines adventure with peace and nature with sustainability. The new tourism push could turn this serene lake into a top destination for travellers looking for both excitement and relaxation in the heart of Himachal Pradesh.
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