Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, May 8: National Panthers Party (NPP) president and MLA Udhampur, Balwant Singh Mankotia met the Union Tourism Secretary, Pervez Dewan here today and demanded special funds for the promotion of tourist places of Jammu region.
During about half an hour meeting with the Tourism Secretary the Panthers Party MLA discussed various proposals in detail for the promotion of tourism in the State and demanded special funds for the development of different areas in Jammu province like Mansar, Surnisar, Kud, Patnitop, Sudh Mahadev, Maan Talai, Udhampur etc. Mr Mankotia pointed out that in Jammu region too, there was huge potential of tourism but these areas have always been ignored.
The MLA said nearly one crore pilgrim tourists were visiting the Jammu region every year and they can be diverted to these places if properly developed for raising economy of the State whereas, hardly 12 lakh tourists are visiting Kashmir. He suggested that work on the proposed cable car projects be expedited and more innovative steps should be taken to promote tourism. The NPP leader also sought special funds for the development of `Devika’ in Udhampur town besides Kirmachi and Pingla Mata shrine.
On this occasion, the MLA also submitted a memorandum to the Secretary Tourism who listened to the demands patiently and assured that special attention would be taken to address these demands of the region.