Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Apr 10: Highlighting the trait of diversity living in harmony in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that communal harmony has been the bedrock of pluralistic civilization and heritage of this part of the country coexisting in amity.
Addressing a function after inaugurating trade-cum-tourist infrastructure raised in the private sector here, the Chief Minister referred to the world renowned pilgrimages of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Baba Amarnath Ji in Kashmir and said that these have grown and nurtured in an atmosphere of brotherhood and oneness.
Saying that Jammu and Kashmir has been abode of great religions, saints, sufis and saints, the Chief Minister highlighted the need of showcasing the rich potential of pilgrim tourism of the State all across the world. He said more than one crore Yatris visit Shri Mata Vaishno Devi yearly giving considerable fillip to the economy of the people. Similarly, he said, over half a million pilgrims visit Baba Amarnath Ji yearly in Kashmir and enhances economic activities for people.
The Chief Minister underlined the need for diverting pilgrim tourists to different tourist places and enhance their stay in the State. He said efforts are on to create attraction for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatris in Jammu city and periphery so that they visit different areas and give boost to trade and economic activities. He said there are various places of attraction in Jammu which could be showcased to attract tourists of different tastes.
Underlining the importance of creation of befitting infrastructure at Katra town which he said is emerging as the third important town in the State after Srinagar and Jammu, the Chief Minister said that the need in this regard is being looked into in a comprehensive manner, adding that private investors have to play their important role in this direction also.
The Chief Minister said that in view of the growing pilgrim flow to Katra, the special focus has to be given to upgrading basic amenities and providing comforts to Yatris. He also underlined the need of extending high class hospitality and service to the tourists and Yatris visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and other places.
Omar Abdullah said that creation of modern tourist facilities in pilgrimage towns and tourist places inconsonance with environmental and ecological requirements is the need of the hour. He said Government will act as an active facilitator for raising tourist infrastructure in the State by the investors in joint ventures, PPP and IPP modes.
Legislators, Chaman Lal Gupta, Baldev Raj Sharma, Rani Bloeria and NC Provincial President Jammu, Devender Singh Rana, Exective President J&K Bank Pervez Ahmad, were present on the occasion.
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