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| Azad lays foundation of tourist complex at Sarthal | | |
Srinagar, June 07
- Chief Minister Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad said on Thursday that tourism is the backbone of state's economy and host of tourism development authorities and tourist circuits have been created to give boost to this sector across the state.
Chief Minister was speaking at foundation stone laying ceremony of tourist complex at Sarthal in Kathua district.
Mr. Azad said that tourism has huge potential for employment generation as well as economic development. With a view to optimally explore this potential the existing infrastructure is being upgraded and at the same time new tourist destinations identified and developed.
Expressing his gratitude to central government, UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for providing liberal funding, Chief Minister said that this has enabled us to launch massive infrastructure development initiatives in all the areas of the state.
Referring to the development of Lakhanpur-Basohli-Bani-Sarthal-Bhadarwah-Doda-Sinthan Top-Kokernag tourist circuits, Mr. Azad said this would open up the entire area for speedier economic growth as well as generate jobs. He said Sarthal with lush green meadows, snow clad mountains, breathtaking scenic splendour and serene climate is destined to become a popular tourist destination.
He said road connectivity, health care, education, drinking water supply and other sectors of public utility are also being given focussed attention to ensure basic amenities to the people in all areas.
Mr. Azad emphasized upon people to strengthen secularism, amity, brotherhood and communal harmony for which the state is known all over so that we march resolutely on the path of progress and prosperity. He said that the people of Jammu always maintained communal harmony in an exemplary manner and that Gujjars, Bakarwals and Gaddis have had to bear the brunt of militancy during the decade and a half long turmoil in the state. Further because of the inhospitable weather conditions, the development initiatives also have suffered a setback. He instructed the concerned authorities to resort to double-shift system for speedy completion of the works.
Chief Minister said though education and health sectors have registered reasonable progress in the state yet far-flung and hilly areas do not have even basic education and health facilities. He further stated that to ensure that people living in these difficult areas are not deprived of education, mobile schools will be operationalised by appointing the local teachers. These teachers shall be additionally trained for providing para-medical services to their own people.
Chief Minister also witnessed exhibition of Basohli paintings put up as part of Sarthal festival organized with a view to promoting tourism in the area.
Over 450 young men from youth clubs of Jammu and Kashmir as well as neighbouring states are also participating in the 5-day national integration camp organized as part of Sarthal festival.
Minister for Health and Medical Education Mr. Mangat Ram Sharma, Minister of State for Youth Services and Sports Mr. Babu Singh and Minister of State for Revenue Mr. Prem Sagar Aziz who were present also spoke on the occasion.
Deputy Commissioner Kathua Mrs. Sarita Chauhan, SSP Kathua Mr. J. P. Singh and Director Tourism Jammu Mr. Ajay Khajuria were prominent among those present on the occasion.
A large number of people from Jammu and Kashmir and adjoining states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh besides other parts of the country were present.
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