Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 15: Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla has said that the Government is paying focused attention to promote the varied pilgrimage potential in village Sohajana in Marh, adding that for this purpose number of initiatives have been taken to create the necessary infrastructure to attract pilgrims as well as tourists to the area.
This was Stated by the Minister while interacting with a large number of pilgrims of Shri Diwarakanath Shastri Paviter Samadhi Sathal at Sohajana in Marh after reviewing the final arrangements made by the District administration for the smooth conduct of 12-day long 108 Gaudaan and Kundiya Mahayagya starting from December 25 to January 05, 2013 where about five-lakh devotees are expected.
MLA Ashwani Sharma, District Development Commissioner Sanjeev Verma besides other senior officers from PHE, PDD, JMC, R&B, Health and Police accompanied the Minister.
Bhalla directed the concerned departments to make all necessary arrangements at the venue so that pilgrims do not face any inconvenience during 12-day long Mahayagya. He asked PDD to provide regular power supply and street lights at the venue.
The Minister said that the Jammu and Kashmir known for its scenic splendor across the globe has many unexplored areas of immense beauty which need projection at the national and international levels for attracting more tourists and pilgrims.
Listing several important upcoming and completed projects taken up in Jammu region under the tourism sector, Bhalla said that Government has sanctioned Rs. 89 lakh for development of surrounding areas of Aap Shambu temple and Shri Ranvirnath temple near Jammu Airport.
The Minister added that Belicharana village is also being brought on the tourist map and for the purpose Government has earmarked Rs. 110 crore for construction of artificial lake downstream river Tawi with an approximate length of 1450 m and width 600 m. He said the work on the project is expected to be completed within the stipulated time frame.
He said that with the completion of this prestigious project the Balicharan area would become a major point of attraction for the tourists visiting Jammu city. He added that the Centre Government was providing liberal funding to Jammu and Kashmir to achieve new heights of progress and prosperity.
The Minister said that the Government has launched a number of development programmes to create world class tourist infrastructure in the State resulting in a notable increase in tourist influx. He said that the aim of the Government was to provide a friendly atmosphere and improved basic amenities to the visitors.
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