Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 27: Minister for Housing, Culture, Horticulture, Youth Services and Sports Raman Bhalla said several steps have been taken by the Government to develop Bahu Fort area, which is among the fast emerging pilgrim and tourist destinations in the State.
The Minister was interacting with the people after inspecting ongoing development works at Bahu Fort, here today.
Secretary Sports Council Dalip Thusu, Chief Education Officer Tarseem Lal Bhagat besides other senior officers from Tourism, Public Health Engineering (PHE), Roads and Buildings accompanied the Minister.
For increasing tourism and pilgrims influx in Bahu Fort area, the Minister said the Central Government has recently approved a proposal involving Rs. 5 crore for installation of laser show on Shri Mata Vaishno Devi at Bahu Fort, adding that the project would soon be installed.
Mr. Bhalla further informed that Government has approved Rs. 80 lakh for construction of Jorah Ghar, langer space, LED lights and modernisation of ancient fountain in Maha Kali Temple besides restoration of pristine glory of Bahu Fort. He said work on the projects is under progress on war-footing and would be completed within stipulated time frame.
The Minister said Government is making all out efforts to provide modern wayside facilities to pilgrims and tourists at Bahu Fort area.
Regarding restoration and conservation of rampart wall of Bahu Fort, Bhalla informed that the restoration work of the wall is nearing completion, adding instructions have been issued to executing agencies to complete it within the stipulated time frame.
For illumination of area around Bahu Fort in front of River Tawi, the Minister said that present Government has earmarked Rs. 80 lakh for this purpose, adding that the demonstration for installation of focus lights on the fort would be started from today evening.
Earlier, the Minister also visited Shastri Nagar and Bohu Fort Mini stadiums and inspected the facilities being provided to the sports lovers at the grounds.
Mr. Bhalla asked the accompanied Secretary Sports Council Dalip Thusu to immediately start the raising of fencing, plantation of ornamental plants on the edge area of the grounds and installation of focus lights so that the sports lovers could enjoy the organized games without any inconvenience.
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