Bathinda, january 3 The Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) has given its nod to develop the two lakes around Bathinda Thermal Plant as tourist spots.

Each lake is in an area of about 40 acres and the government plans to have water sports and other recreational activities there.

The district administration had written to the PSEB requesting for a no objection certificate (NOC) as the lakes’ area is under the control of the board. PSEB chairman YS Ratra confirmed that he has granted the approval.

Bathinda Deputy Commissioner Rahul Tewari said the lakes would be developed by a private developer on build operate transfer (BOT) basis on a revenue-sharing arrangement with the government. “The PSEB has made it clear that possession of the lakes will not be transferred to the developer,” he added.

The Punjab government has two consultants, Feedback Ventures and ILFS, in mind and one of them is likely to set up the project. “Since approval has been granted to us by the PSEB, we have requested the state government to appoint one of the consultants for making a detailed project report,” said Tewari.

Source: http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Decks-cleared-to-develop-Bathind...