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| J&K to emerge as global tourism hub: Azad | | Declares Bhadarwah tourism festival open | |
JAMMU, JUNE 15 - Fortnight-long Bhadarwah Tourism Festival was declared open by Chief Minister Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad and Union Tourism Minister Mrs. Ambika Soni at a colourful function at Bhadarwah today. Pigeon flight and balloon soaring marked the inaugural ceremony of the festival.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister said that tourism, the mainstay of state's economy with vast employment potential, is being accorded highest priority. "Many interior areas with bewitching scenic beauty are being brought up on tourism map", he said and added that tourism development authorities and circuits created across the state will give a quantum boost to tourism.
Referring to the steps being taken for development of Bhadarwah and other areas in Doda district, Mr. Azad said that Rs. 20 crore provided for Bhadarwah Tourism Development Authority will be utilized to create required tourist infrastructure. He said the development of Lakhanpur-Basohli-Bani-Bhadarwah and Doda-Kishtwar-Sinthantop-Kokernag tourist circuits would generate enormous economic activities.
He said Doda district having huge potential for eco, adventure, pilgrim, cultural, conventional and heritage tourism will emerge as a hub of tourism in future.
Chief Minister said that double-laning of Bhadarwah-Doda road would be completed by May next. He said that the centre has also sanctioned Rs. 67 crore for upgradation of Bhadarwah-Chamba road, which will also be completed in next 3 to 4 years.
Expressing gratitude to the central government for providing liberal funding to the state for taking up massive infrastructure development, Mr. Azad called for people's participation in the development process at all levels.
Chief Minister while thanking Mrs. Ambika Soni for participating in Bhadarwah tourism festival, urged her for projecting this chaste tourist destination at national and international level. He exuded confidence that with the creation of the required infrastructure, tourism will get fillip, which will usher in an era of economic growth and prosperity.
Assuring full support for promotion of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Tourism Minister said that the state's vast tourism potential would be tapped. She said that peace is imperative for development and expressed satisfaction over the improved situation.
Referring to Bhadarwah tourism festival, she said that such events contribute in promoting tourism. She said that adequate funds are being provided for Bhadarwah Tourism Development Authority and tourist circuits for creation of infrastructure and wayside facilities to attract more and more tourists.
Mr. Azad and Mrs. Soni also went round various stalls put up by different agencies from within and outside the state and evinced keen interest in the products.
Both the leaders on arrival at Bhadarwah were given a rousing reception by thousands of people by chanting slogans in their favour and showering flower petals.
Mr. Azad inaugurated a motorable bridge on degree college link road at Bhadarwah constructed at a cost of Rs. 35 lakh. He also inaugurated sub-offices of Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports and Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages at Bhadarwah.
Chief Minister also addressed a national seminar on Prospects of Sustainable Development in Education and Tourism Sectors in Chenab Basin: Vision 2020 organized by Bhadarwah campus of Jammu University at Government Degree College Bhadarwah.
He also visited a painting exhibition organized as part of the festival and interacted with the artists.
A colourful cultural programme was presented on the occasion, which was appreciated by the audience.
Mr. Azad and Mrs. Soni also visited highland meadow of Seojdhar near Bhadarwah.
Minister for Rural Development Mr. Jugal Kishore Sharma, legislators Mr. Mohammad Sharief Niaz and Mr. Abdul Majid Wani, President Municipal Committee Bhadarwah Mr. Javed Azad, Commissioner/Secretary PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Mr. Mehboob Iqbal, Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Kotwal, SSP Doda Mr. Manohar Singh, Director Tourism Jammu Mr. Ajay Khajuria, Chief Executive Officer Bhadarwah Tourism Development Authority Mr. Talat Parvaiz, other senior officers, prominent citizens, tourists and a large number of people were present at the inaugural function.
Deputy Commissioner Doda Mr. Saurabh Bhagat welcoming Mr. Azad, Mrs. Soni and other dignitaries on the occasion, threw light on the tourism potential of the district particularly Bhadarwah.
The main highlights of the festival are cultural events, folk dances, helicopter rides, paragliding, adventure sports, painting competition, etc.
Participants from various states like Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat and Delhi have put up their stalls showcasing handicrafts, handloom products and cultural heritage of these states.
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