Measures taken to develop new tourist spots: Bhalla

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 20: Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla today said that focused attention was being paid for development of open spaces available in and around surrounding areas of religious places in order to attract domestic and foreign tourists towards City of Temples.

He was addressing a large gathering after launching Rs. 50 lakh development works near Aap Shambu Shiv temple at Narwal Pain near Airport.

The Minister said that for development of surrounding areas of ancient Ranvir Nath Ji temple near Jammu Aiport, Government has approved Rs. 18 lakh for construction of public convenience, Rs. 22 lakh for approach road to temple besides Rs. 25 lakh for landscaping, toilet complex, illumination, seating, jogging track and car parking facilities to the visitors. He said Government has also approved Rs. 1.6 crore for development of 1-km long strip available on the embankment of Ranbir canal by creating illumination, landscaping, walkway, seating, drinking water and irrigation facilities for the visitors.

Mr. Bhalla said the project is under progress on war-footing and would be completed within stipulated time frame. He asked the executing agency to use modern line construction material on development works, adding Government has resolved to provide concrete assets to the people across the State.

Mr. Bhalla said that the Jammu and Kashmir is known for its scenic splendour across the globe and maintained that there were lot of unexplored beautiful areas which needs to be projected at the national and international levels for attraction of tourists and pilgrims, adding, that Government is making all out efforts to highlight such areas for the economic development.