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Maharaja Hari Singh Park in the doldrums but who cares | | | K Koushal
Jammu Aug 30: The tall claims of the government to take care of tourism projects to ensure the tourists' stay in Jammu region continue to remain on paper as Maharaja Hari Singh Park, even after over two years its foundation was laid by then union minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, continues to be in the doldrums. It was April 1, 2012 when Azad had come all the way from New Delhi to inaugurate the park on the Tawi river bank and dedicated it to the people of Jammu amid much fanfare. Since then there is no development on it and what itches Jammuites more is the absence of the bust of the late Maharaja. Azad had also promised that the park would prove to be boon for morning walkers. Ironically, after the passage of over two years not a single stone has been added to the park with some departments having made it more 'scary and hellish' by reducing its beautiful open space just to a dumping ground. And amid the rocky 'n' dusty ground, the authorities, be it the JDA or the floriculture, Garden and Parks Department, have virtually failed to complete this 'dream project' as the JCBs used by the some authorities have left the foundation plaque and platform meant for the 'Maharajha's bust' to the shambles and sadly enough foundation stone with names of Maharaja Hari Singh engraved too is crying for attention. Not to talk of morning walkers this 'park' is a 'crude joke' on the tall claims of state government to develop and explore places to sustain the tourist stay in Jammu region as the economy of Jammu and the Kashmir region as well depends upon the tourism and the pilgrims visiting the holy cave shrine of Shree Mata Vaishnio Devi. Irony is that various political and non-political parties, NGOs and even schools are mulling plans to celebrate Maharajha Hari Singh but not a single organization in a bid to highlight the state government's apathetic approach towards the development of the park has so far come forward. The pathways created now have lost their existence under the heavy dumping of the garbage after digging of the roads in and around the park while the leafless open space itself mocks the tall government claims of a beautiful park at the spot. The park has, however, turned into an alternative playing ground for children who come here as Parade Ground has become an unofficial parking lot these days. It is also used as parking space by drivers of private transport buses and official vehicles. Here it needs to mention Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has threatened to launch agitation in case the state government failed to rescind a sale agreement of about 8 kanals of land, which was part of the proposed Maharaja Hari Singh Park along the banks of river Tawi. Though Nawang Rigzin Jora, the tourism minister, has announced the park would be completed in a phased manner and announced Rs 2.50 cr in the first phase but all in vain. It is pertinent to mention here that Early Times has raised the issue from time to time but the authorities concerned have so far turned a deaf ear towards the issue.
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