Govt focused on tourism development in Jammu: Priya

* Ropeway project to be completed in 21 months

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 24: Minister of State for Tourism Priya, Sethi today said that Government is focussed on the development of tourism in Jammu and many steps are being taken to develop tourist spots along River Tawi.
The biggest land mark of Jammu is MoU that has been signed by the CM  and Deputy CM between JDA and AMC to develop banks of River Tawi on the pattern  of Sabarwati River  front,which will boost the tourism of Jammu.
Replying to a Private Members Resolution moved by Sat Paul Sharma in Legislative Assembly today, the Minister said that the J&K State Cable Car Corporation invited tenders for supply, installation, testing and commission of Hybrid system Ropeway project in two sections from Peerkho to Mahamaya and from Mahamaya to Bahu Fort  in January, 2012.
She said after evaluation of tenders the lowest quoter M/s Damodar Ropeway and Infra Ltd in technical collaboration with STM, Turkey, was awarded the contract and LOI was issued in favour of M/s Damodar Ropeway and Infra Ltd on August, 2012.
The Minister said that the Environment and Wildlife clearances were issued in favour of the Corporation in September-November 2013 respectively pursuant to the recommendation made by Central Empowered Committee constituted by the Supreme Court which conducted site inspection in June-2013.
The Minister said that the Corporation entered into an agreement with M/s Damodar Ropeway and Infra Ltd. on in May, 2014.  She said however, due to delay in transfer of land to Cable Car Corporation the work on the project could not be started immediately after signing of the agreement.
The Minister said that the work on the project is in progress at present, the foundation work of the station buildings at Bahu Fort  and Mahamaya Park of section second is under execution. She said the project will be completed within next 21 month as per the schedule submitted by the construction company.
The Minister said that no major price escalation was made in the project and the total cost is about Rs 30 crore.
The Minister said that five temples along River Tawi are being taken up under Hridhay Project. She said that four heritage gates in Jammu are also being taken up for development and the DPRs in this regard have already been prepared. She said that development of Raghunat Bazar as heritage bazaar and this has to be been extended upto Diwana Mandir including main bazaar of city chowk Purani Mandi and Raj Tilak Road.
She said that the heritage bazaar will be kept traffic free zones as directed by Chief Minister.
Mubarak Gul pleaded for development of Bajalta and Sidhra areas as tourist spots. He pleaded for equitable development in all regions of the state.
She replied that the golf course has been developed and an amusement park is to be developed near the golf course to make Jammu an Independent Destination.
Later, Sat Pal Sharma withdrew the resolution after satisfactory reply from the Minister.