Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 9: A deputation of Jammu Heritage Society (JHS) led by its president Bhuvneshwar Gandotra met Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo in his office chamber at Civil Secretariat, here today and gave a slew of suggestions to make Jammu as an independent tourist destination.
In the light of construction of Ring Road from Samba to Nagrota, Express Highway from Delhi to Katra via Amritsar bypassing Jammu and extension of Railways to Srinagar very shortly, Bhuvneshwar Gandotra highlighted the need of developing Jammu as an independent tourist destination.
Gandotra highlighted the need of developing Heritage Tourism at Ambaran (Akhnoor), developing Kameshwar Temple at Akhnoor, eco-tourism at Gharana Wetland, Suchetgarh Border Tourism and Railway Tourism from Kala Kendra to Suchetgarh. He also laid stress on developing religious sites Utterbeni and Purmandal known as Chotta Kashi.
The JHS president also emphasized on opening of Bahu Fort for public water sports at Ranjit Sagar Dam, Shahadra Sharif in Rajouri and Buddha Amarnath at Poonch. He said that water parks at Bajalta, Sidhra and Jhajjar Kotli needs further attention while tourism circuit of Mantalai, Krimchi and Pancheri besides Mansar and Surinsar lakes be completed on war footing.
Stating that presence of security tower and police van at Raghunath Temple sends a wrong signal to tourists, Gandotra urged the Chief Secretary to clear them. He requested to make a Trade mark and souvenir for Mubarak Mandi. He also advised to make a single starting point and advance calendar of tourism activities for coming season.
The Chief Secretary gave a patient hearing to the suggestions put forth by the Delegation and assured of issuing necessary directions to the concerned department, especially Tourism, Culture and Archives.
The deputation included Ajesh Rohmetra (general secretary, JHS), Sanjay Gupta (president, RBBA), Amit Goel (general secretary, RBBA) and Sanjay Sethi (executive member).