Shikara Service to become centre of water tourism in State : CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav stated that launching the ‘Shikara Boat’ service in Bhopal’s Upper Lake, built nearly a thousand years ago in the city of Raja Bhoj, is a historic moment. Tourists will now be able to enjoy an experience reminiscent of Kashmir’s iconic Dal Lake, right here in the City of Lakes, through these 20 new shikaras.The shikaras are equipped with food and comfortable seating arrangements for visitors, and are expected to give Madhya Pradesh’s water tourism a new identity at the national and international level. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav urged citizens to come forward and enjoy these tourism services. He added that MP Tourism is expanding water-sports activities, and that tourists will also be able to purchase indigenous products while enjoying the shikara rides.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh has created history in wildlife rehabilitation as well, and that a special event is being organised at Kuno on International Cheetah Day. He expressed these views on Thursday after flagging off the shikara boat service at Bhopal Boat Club. The event was attended by Assembly Speaker Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Haryana Assembly Speaker Shri Harvinder Kalyan, Urban Development and Housing Minister Shri Kailash Vijayvargiya, Leader of Opposition Shri Umang Singhar, and MLA & State President Hemant Khandelwal, among others.​

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that there are immense possibilities for wildlife tourism in the state, and that activities to attract tourists are being increased through major water projects, including the Narmada Valley. He stated that the state government is setting new benchmarks in tourism development, highlighting that the number of tourists visiting Ujjain has exceeded 70 million in the past year.​

Chief Minister with Guests Enjoyed Shikar ride

After flagging off the shikaras, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav himself enjoyed a shikara ride in the Upper Lake and appreciated the facilities made available. He and other dignitaries tasted tea, poha, samosas and fruits from the shikara boat restaurant. He also purchased traditional Bag & Batik textiles and organic products from the floating boat market. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav took selfies with school and college students and guests, viewed the sun through a telescope arranged by the Regional Science Centre, Bhopal, to promote scientific tourism.​

Assembly Speaker Shri Narendra Singh Tomar said that launching a shikara service on such a large lake in the capital is very attractive and will expand tourism opportunities in the state, thereby creating more local employment.

Bhopal—Heart of India—Holds a Special Distinction: Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Shri Harvinder

Haryana Assembly Speaker Shri Harvinder Kalyan said Bhopal is close to the hearts of all Indians and holds a special place in the country, describing the sight of shikaras gliding on the Upper Lake as unforgettable.

Senior MLA Shri Hemant Khandelwal remarked that under Chief Minister Dr. Yadav’s leadership, people of the state will get a Dal Lake-like experience in Bhopal, while Leader of Opposition Shri Umang Singhar said that through the Dal Lake-style shikaras, the Chief Minister has brought Kashmir to Madhya Pradesh. He praised the initiative of MP Tourism.

For the first time in the state, shikaras are being operated on such a large scale, with all 20 boats built using pollution-free, modern technology. They are constructed from fibre-reinforced polyurethane and high-quality non-reactive materials that do not cause any chemical reaction with water, ensuring the complete safety of the lake’s ecology and water purity. These shikaras have been crafted by an internationally renowned organisation whose boats are already popular with tourists in Kerala, Bengal, and Assam. With their addition, Bhopal’s Boat Club is now ready to welcome visitors with these attractive new vessels. Along with boating, tourists will be able to enjoy bird-watching and purchase handicrafts, local dishes, organic vegetables and fruits during the ride.​

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture and Tourism Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Backwards Classes and Minorities Welfare Smt. Krishna Gaur, Minister of State for Forest and Environment Shri Dilip Ahirwar, Bhopal Mayor Smt. Malti Rai, Municipal Corporation Chairman Shri Kishan Suryavanshi, District President Shri Ravindra Yati and a large number of public representatives, officials and tourism enthusiasts were present.