JAMMU: To boost pilgrim tourism, Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture, Mr. Raman Bhalla said that the State Government is creating requisite infrastructure to showcase it as a major attraction for the devotees and tourists.
This was stated by the Minister while interacting with the devotees after inspecting the Navrataras arrangements being made by the district administration at Bawe-Wali Mata temple at Bahu Fort, here today.
Mr. Bhalla asked the officers to provide adequate facilities to devotees during the Navratras days like safe drinking water, toilet blocks, electricity, parking, sarai, security, and free langer so that they do not face any inconvenience. He asked shopkeepers to beautify the area and asked the Jammu Municipal Corporation to monitor the sale of eatables besides sanitation facilities in and around the temple.
The Minister further said that the Government is also embarking on a plan to develop the historical places in twin capital cities of the State and its peripheral towns, adding that the development of famous Shri Bawe Wali Mata shrine is one of the major projects in this direction. He hoped that these would become a source of attraction for the devotees and help in diverting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji pilgrims to other parts of State.
“To meet the challenges in tourism, our emphasis is on diversification and providing requisite infrastructure facilities to the pilgrims and tourists in the State”. said the Minister adding that Tourist Reception Centres, wayside facilities and huts have been developed at all the tourist destinations.
Giving the details of some initiatives taken by the Government for development and upgrading of tourism infrastructure in Jammu Division, the Minister said that the restoration and conservation work of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex is under progress on war-footing. He said Government has earmarked Rs. 47 crore for cable car project from Bahu Fort to Mubarak Mandi, adding that the prestigious project would be started in next month after completing all codal formalities.
Mr. Bhalla said that Government has sanctioned Rs. 3.5 crore for developing the river Tawi embankment near Peer Kho Temple by constructing park, Tourist Reception Centre, artificial lake and viewpoints, adding that Rs. 90 lakh have been kept for construction of viewpoints and road widening from Bahu Fort to Harki Poudi Temple.
Earlier, at Trikuta Nagar W. No. 54, the Minister also dedicated sulbah toilet complex to Trikuta Nagar people, completed at an estimated cost of Rs. 10 lakh.
Mr. Bhalla informed the residents of the area that Government has also sanctioned Rs. 70 lakh for upgradation of lanes and drains besides Rs. 11 lakh for Children Park near Reserve Bank of India complex. He said both the projects are under progress and would be completed within stipulated time frame. He said the Children Park would have facilities of fun games, swings, walkways, provision for illumination, landscaping, benches and facility of irrigation. He asked the JMC to complete the works within one month to ensure early benefit to the Children of the locality..
Mr. Bhalla asked the UEED to complete the slab work over the nallah at Panj Mandir within stipulated period. He asked the officers to monitor the quality of construction work and the material being used, adding that the government was committed to built durable assets.
The minister said that the government is fully aware of people’s problems and is making all out efforts to fulfill their demand on priority. He said for this purpose central government has provided liberal funding under development sectors. |
