Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 2: Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture, Raman Bhalla today said that Government is making all out efforts to promote tourism in border belts of the State, adding that in this regard various initiatives have been taken to create modern line facilities for tourists at Suchetgarh and Chamliyal.
This was stated by the Minister, while addressing a gathering at Chatha after laying foundation stone of Multipurpose Community Hall, here today.
Director Tourism, Soujanya Sharma, besides other senior officers of Tourism Department were present on the occasion.
Mr. Bhalla informed that the hall would be constructed at the available site near Bharion Nath Temple Chatha with the facilities like dormitory, fabricated shed, kitchen, toilet blocks and compound wall at an estimated cost of Rs. 67 lakh by Tourism Department.
The Minister informed that Central Government has provided Rs.6.39 crore for the development of tourism infrastructure at Suchetgarh in Jammu district and Chambyal in Samba district. He said that both the projects are under progress on war-footing and would be completed by Tourism Department within stipulated time frame. He said the project includes building of tourist facilitation centres, rooms, restaurants, flower stalls, construction of pathways, toilet blocks and view decks, besides conservation and development of the Shri Raghunath ji temple and Peer Baba Ziarat at Suchetgarh. He said over 80 percent development work has been completed till date.
Mr. Bhalla said that Government would promote border tourism to attract more visitors to the State. He said that besides creating employment, the initiative would help to develop border areas. He advised local youth to engage themselves in the tourism-related industry, which offers plenty of opportunities in the form of tour operator, travel and adventure sport guides, guest houses and other self employed units.
For boosting tourism in Bahu Fort area, the Minister said that Government has created modern line wayside facilities for pilgrims and tourists in the area like recreational garden, aquarium, balidan stumb, landscaping, view points, tug shop, toilet blocks, fencing, illumination, drinking water besides construction of Darshani Deodi near Kalika Colony, adding the place would become a source of major attraction for those visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji and other tourist spots of the State.
The Minister informed that a comprehensive plan has been formulated for up-gradation and expansion of Jammu airport to provide all infrastructural facilities to the passengers, adding that Central Government has sanctioned Rs. 70 crore for this purpose. He sought cooperation of the people in implementing the development programmes
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