| 6 years on, Samba fort still neglected | | | | SAMBA, July 25: Notwithstanding tall claims of the state government to develop tourist spots in Jammu region, the pathetic condition of the famous fort of Samba is such glaring example of official apathy. One of the major attractions, historical Samba fort has been the worst sufferer due to step motherly treatment by the concerned authorities. Despite, being six years on the tourist map, historical Samba fort is still neglected and cries for attention. Locals said that despite being on the tourism map the Samba fort has been neglected and condition of historical fort of Samba has become shabby and tourism department and concerned authorities does not seem serious to save the historical heritage, thereby fort has been turned into a shabby look. Nearly, six years ago, Samba fort was brought on tourism map and initially 25 lakh rupees were released for renovation by the then tourism minister, Nawang Rigzin Jora, said tourism official. Source said that tourism department also planned to formulate comprehensive conservation project and beautification of Samba fort for which huge amount of money has been released. "And the government has sanctioned a hefty amount of money for the said project but except some focus given on renovation of boundary wall and development of pond in the fort, nothing has been done in this regard so far" said the source. "The project cost under state plan for beautification of fort was 4.94.45 crore and 1.2 crore rupees were released and spent in phased manner for beautification of fort till 2012.There after, locals raised objections regarding misappropriation of funds and hampered further work. Now department of Arts and Culture is looking over the beautification project of fort," said Jyoti Koul, Tourist Officer, Samba. |
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