The state government has formulated a special plan of Rs 5 crore to harness the tourism potential of the Pong Lake. Forest and Sports Minister Rakesh Pathania presided over the closing ceremony of 69th Wildlife Week at the lake on Saturday. The government had planned to boost ecotourism to generate selfemployment opportunities for the locals in the Pong Lake area. 

• All efforts were being made to bring the lake on the world tourism map and the necessary funds would be provided for the mission. The government was exploring the possibility of developing tourism in untapped areas in the state.
• The govt directed the Pong Dam Society to ensure the participation of locals in the development activities of the lake area.  
• A cycle rally of children was also flagged off.
• The main objective of organising Wildlife Week was to sensitise people about the conservation and protection of wild animals.  
• The Forest Department had started a toll free number to address the problem of people in the state. 

Pong Dam Wetlands

• Pong is a man-made wetland formed by the construction of Pong Dam during 1974 across the Beas River.
• The reservoir is also known Maha Rana Pratap Sagar.
• It was declared a Ramsar Site in the year 2002.
• It is the only place in the country after the Bharatpur sanctuary in Rajasthan where the red-necked grebe descends every year.
• Other visitors include White Fronted Goose, Whooper Swan, Indian Skimmer, White rumped Vultures, Black bellied Tern.
• The State Forest Department is organizing the annual census of waterfowl species at Pong wetlands of Kangra Valley, Himachel Pradesh.
• Water fowls are the birds that depend on water bodies for roosting and feeding.