‘Foreign tourists up 59 pc after G20 meeting’
*Shiv Khori to attract 50 lakh pilgrims a year
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Aug 23: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to effectively combat corruption to fulfil resolve of a “corruption-free” Jammu and Kashmir.
Sinha said that the United States was likely to rollback the negative travel advisory on the UT in the wake of the improving situation in Kashmir.
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He also said that there has been 59 percent increase in foreign tourists in Jammu and Kashmir after successful conduct of G20 summit and assured Shri Amarnath Ji shrine like facilities at Machail Mata Ji in Kishtwar where he visited recently.
Sinha said this in two functions here including foundation stone laying ceremony of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) headquarters at Sidhra and e-foundation laying function for restoration of holy shrine of Shiv Khori by JSW Foundation.
“The Government reaffirms its commitment to effectively combat corruption to fulfil the resolve of corruption-free Jammu and Kashmir,” the LG said.
He called upon the officials to work with determination and commitment to zero tolerance against corruption.
The six-storey building of ACB Headquarters includes a parking area, police station central, prosecution staff and other allied offices which will provide suitable space for the smooth functioning of the bureau.
Addressing e-foundation laying ceremony for restoration of Shiv Khori shrine by JSW Foundation from here, the Lieutenant Governor said earlier there was a trend that foreign tourists were not coming to Jammu and Kashmir.
“After G20 meeting success, not only in India but a message has gone to the world and there has been 59 percent increase in arrival of foreign tourists,” he said.
“A few days ago, I met two officials from the United States Embassy. They expressed gratitude to me for the improved situation and stated that they could see the huge change in the Kashmir situation. I urged them if they really feel the change, they should help in removing the negative travel advisory imposed on J&K by the US,” the LG said, adding that “the US Embassy officials assured me that they will write to their Government and strongly recommend the rollback of negative travel advisory.”
G20 Tourism Working Group meeting was held in Srinagar for three days in May this year which was attended by delegates of several foreign countries.
With foreign delegates themselves witnessing peace in the Kashmir valley, the Government is confident that adverse advisories issued by some of the countries will go.
Sinha said efforts are also on to develop various tourist places in Jammu region including Surinsar, Bhaderwah etc. With this, tourism will also get a boost in Jammu, he added.
Referring to his recent visit to Machail Mata Ji shrine in Kishtwar district, the Lieutenant Governor said the Government will try to ensure facilities there like Baba Amarnath Ji shrine.
It may be mentioned here that number of devotees to Machail Mata Ji shrine has been breaking all records this year. The shrine has been witnessing heavy rush o pilgrims.
“Pilgrimage to holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnath Ji has broken record of last 13 years. Facilities provided to Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrims by the administration and Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) have been appreciated countrywide,” Sinha said.
He announced that like Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), Shiv Khori Shrine Board will also be expanded.
“Last year, 20 lakh devotees paid obeisance at Shiv Khori. After restoration work is complete, 50 lakh pilgrims are expected to visit the shrine, a year after four years,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Worthwhile to mention here that a number of pilgrims visiting holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji in Katra also pay obeisance at Shiv Khori shrine. Both the shrines are located in Reasi district.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) headquarters foundation stone laying ceremony was also attended by Chief Secretary Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Additional Chief Secretary Shaleen Kabra, Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh, Special DG CID RR Swain, Director Anti-Corruption Bureau Anand Jain, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Jammu Zone Mukesh Singh, Commissioner/ Secretary General Administration Department (GAD) Sanjeev Verma, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and other senior officers.
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