Mohali: The Siswan–Mirzapur forest area has rapidly developed into a eco-tourism hotspot, helped by sustained initiatives of the Mohali forest division, forest and wildlife preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said Thursday.He said the 5-km Siswan–Mirzapur Nature Trek, which takes about 1.5 hours to complete, has become a popular attraction for walkers, nature lovers and families, offering lush forest cover, scenic viewpoints and watchtowers. Footfall has risen sharply in recent months. The minister added that the Siswan Dam site now offers boating, a canteen and three eco-huts, improving tourist experience while ensuring minimal disturbance to the ecosystem. tnnMore nature trails and trekking routes are under development.A recent Nature Awareness Camp at Siswan Dam — featuring cycling and a guided trek — saw strong public participation, particularly from Chandigarh. Regular educational visits by school groups are also being organised to promote environmental awareness.The Forest Division, he said, is also focusing on livelihood support for forest-fringe villages. Self-help groups in Siswan, Gochar and Nada are being trained in trades such as pickle making, tailoring, cloth-bag manufacturing and beauty services. The Siswan Forest Committee recently distributed utensils as part of community outreach.The minister said these combined efforts are strengthening conservation, promoting responsible eco-tourism and making the Siswan–Mirzapur belt a model of sustainable development.
