Bivek Mathur
JAMMU, May 30: The Bagh-e-Bhour Park in Miran Sahib Area of Jammu district, which was e-inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has been in disrepair, with its musical fountain and several other facilities non-functional for the past around three months.
The Floriculture Department, responsible for maintaining the park, cites the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) as the reason for delays in renovations.
E-inaugurated by Union Home Minister on October 24, 2021, the park was developed at the cost of Rs 6.52 crore on a 220-kanal land piece in Bhour Camp area, three kilometres from the Jammu Airport.
Initially, it attracted a large number of tourists and visitors, particularly from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Floriculture Department also organized musical shows, school and college events off and on to boost the number of the visitors.
However, the expiration of the Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) with the company responsible for the park’s upkeep has led to a decline in its condition and the number of the visitors.
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“The AMC expired months ago, and we couldn’t re-allot it due to the MCC,” said S Jatinder Singh, Director Floriculture Jammu.
He assured that tenders would be floated afresh to re-allot the AMC once the MCC is lifted, promising that repairs will follow promptly.
The park’s popularity has particularly dwindled since the musical fountain and four pumping motors ceased to function, causing a notable drop in visitor numbers.
“Visitor strength has decreased considerably,” sources said, pointing to the impact of the dysfunctional facilities. Inspite of the dysfunctional facilities, they, the public visiting the facility is still being charged by the authorities.
Despite the current state of the park, Director Floriculture Jammu, S Jatinder Singh, remains optimistic.
“All activities will resume once the MCC period ends. We plan to hold musical shows, school and college events, and other recreational activities to revitalize the park,” he assured.
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