Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 17: Principal Secretary, Industries, Commerce and Tourism Department, Navin Kumar Choudhary, today inspected various facilities at the Jammu Tawi Golf Course (JTGC), Sidhra.
During the visit, he took a detailed presentation of various works being executed and various initiatives taken by JTGC. He inspected the developmental works under Prime Minister Development Programme (PMDP) and CAPEX. He instructed Secretary, Jammu Tawi Golf Course to complete all the on-going works during the current financial year with a stern check on the quality of works.
Choudhary said that JTGC should not only cater to its members but also attract tourists and make it accessible to the. He directed Secretary, JTGC to work out a model to allow local people to visit the Golf Course without disturbing the Golfers. He further asked Director Tourism Jammu to work out if JTGC can be promoted and added in the itinerary of local tourist destinations.
He directed Secretary JTGC to bring up a proposal to develop JTGC as a sporting hub including Swimming Pool, Squash Court, Tennis Court, Basket Ball Court and such other facilities which will be independent of the membership of the Golf Course.
During discussion with the prominent Golfers at JTGC, he was apprised about the functioning of outsourced restaurant. He advised Secretary JTGC to explore options to open some part of the Club building for local people as well as tourists and promote it as an eating hub with the introduction of Food Courts. He further directed Secretary JTGC to bring a proposal to purchase machinery for proper upkeep of the Golf Course and rejuvenation of a water body beyond the Second Green for its beautification.
During the visit, he inspected the Herbal Garden constructed at JTGC in collaboration with the Department of Indian System of Medicine and planted a Pepal tree.
He also inspected the Eco Log Huts being constructed under PMDP and instructed Director Tourism Jammu to make all arrangements to put the accommodation to use within next one month.
Principal Secretary stressed on the need to conduct more Golf promotional events at JTGC. He appreciated the management for the construction of a Practice Range with night facility. He emphasized that JTGC should encourage young children to become Golf professionals and directed Secretary JTGC to bring up a proposal to start student membership of this Golf Course.
During the visit, he was accompanied by Asgar Hussain, MD, JKTDC and Deepika Sharma, Director Tourism Jammu.