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| Akhnoor to be developed as Model town: Sham | | Flags off Heritage Walk at Ambaran | |
Early Times Report
JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 20 -The Minister for Health, Horticulture and Floriculture, Mr Sham Lal Sharma today flagged off the Heritage Walk at Akhnoor, the heritage walk was organized by the Department of Tourism and district administration as the part of ongoing Navratra festival-2009.
The heritage walk started from the ancient Buddhist site at Ambaran and culminated at the Historic Jio Potha temple located on the Chenab River front walk way. Hundreds of school children and National Cadet Corps took part in the event with great enthusiasm.
The children marched on the river front walk way developed by the Department of Tourism passing through the historic sites of the town including Gurdwara Sahib, the Pandav Gufa, Parshuramji temple, the Akhnoor fort and the Jio Potha temple.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister highlighted the importance of Akhnoor town and said that this town has a rich history as various spiritual saints like Mahatama Budh meditated here. He said that the history of town needs to be highlighted in right perspective so that lakhs of pilgrim visiting the State can have a glimpse of this sacred town. He asked the concerned departments to endorse the historical importance of Akhnoor to promote tourism in the area
The Minister said that Akhnoor town will be developed as a Model town and various steps in this direction have been taken. He said that efforts are on to bring this town on the tourist map in view of various ancient sites. He said that River Chenab is also as revered as Ganga as people worship this river and perform ritual rights on its bank. People from all corners of the country visit this historic and religious place. He said that efforts are being made to connect Akhnoor with Shiv Khori-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi tourist circuit via Mera Mandrian cutting short the distance substantially so that pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Deviji could also take advantage of visiting Akhnoor town to witness its 5000 years old civilization history, the Minister added.
Deputy Superintendent Archaeological Survey of India also spoke on the occasion and threw light on the history of the Akhnoor town and said that Ambaran dates back to the Kushan times and excavations have uncovered chaitya, stupa and remains of a monastery here. He said that various articles including Terracotta limb parts and relic caskets and pottery have been uncovered here in large numbers.He underscored the antiquity of the Akhnoor which also has the remains inside the forts dating back to the Harrapan times making Akhnoor one of the oldest towns in this region.
Director Tourism, Jammu, Mr S M Sahni also spoke about the steps being taken by the department to promote Akhnoor as a tourist destination which included developing the entire river front with emphasis on heritage and leisure tourism. He also spoke on harnessing the tremendous potential of rafting on the river Chenab from Reasi to Akhnoor.
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