‘Mansar Rejuvenation Plan will be a role model’
Avtar Bhat
SAMBA, Apr 18: Taking strong dig at opposition parties, Union Minister in PMO with Independent charge of North Eastern States, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that they are jealous of mega development projects which are under construction in J&K and which they could not get during their decades long rule.
Addressing a gathering at Mansar near here today after kick starting VIP parking upgradation work and also inspecting the floating jetty which are both sub- components of prestigious comprehensive Mansar Lake Rejuvenation/Development Plan, Dr Jitendra Singh said during the seven year long rule of Modi Government at Delhi many mega projects were brought for Jammu and Kashmir which the opposition Congress during its over six decades long rule even failed to conceive. Click here to watch video
He said the River Lake Rejuvenation & Beautification are the two mega projects in the whole country in a single district of Udhampur with Central funding of Rs 200 crore each. In addition to it, third Mantalai Health and Wellness Centre is another Mega Project to be completed at Rs 100 crore of Central funding. All these three mega projects are in Udhampur district which were brought by the BJP Government for development of the area and economic upliftment of the people there.
Dr Jitendra Singh, while hitting hard at Congress and other opposition parties, said Dhirendra Brahmchari who was the Congress supporter having an Ashram at Mantalai but its development was abandoned by Congress after the death of Indira Gandhi who had taken initiative of its development during her Government. It was the BJP Government which revived this project and got Rs 100 crore Central fund sanctioned for the same, he added.
Dr Jitendra Singh said likewise the Congress Government abandoned the much talked about Shahpur Kandi Project and put it under the languishing projects for 45 long years. But it was again BJP which also revived this languishing project. “Same has been case with Rattle and other power projects in twin districts of Doda and Kishtwar which were abandoned by previous Congress and NC Governments but were revived by us”, he added.
He said the reason for opposition criticism for development deficit is that they are jealous of mega developmental projects brought by BJP in J&K which they could not do in their rule. Dr Jitendra Singh said they (Opposition) indirectly also in the heart of hearts admit that they put these projects in languishing and BJP revived them.
He, however, said that whether the opposition appreciates the development taking place in the J&K or not but the voter who is its real beneficiary appreciated it as he rewarded us with victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
He said Lakhanpur which is the entry point of J&K will emerge as a tourist destination while for the first time the boating has been started from today in Mansar lake which will boost the tourism in the area.
He said that Comprehensive Mansar Rejuvenation/ Development Plan will give a major uplift to the socio-economic development of Mansar and will become a role model of development.
He said that prestigious project will become a role model of development and will open more avenues for holistic development of the area, besides generating more employment opportunities for locals.
The Union Minister said that this project is a breakthrough in development of tourism in the region. He pointed out that Udhampur is possibly the only district in the country which has on the lines on Namami Ganga and Ganga cleaning project, received two similar rejuvenation and renovation projects, one for River Devika and the other being for Mansar Lake. As the first phase of the project is initiated, he advocated the local people to reap benefits from it.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that the coming days will witness huge development in Mansar and will emerge as the most sought after tourist place, with easy access and availability of the basic requirements ideally desired at a tourist spot.
Addressing the elected representatives of PRIs who were also present on the occasion, the Union Minister appealed them to be proactive and work in close coordination with local administration and prioritize works catering to the aspirations of the people adding that the Government will only play the role of a facilitator.
Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan who too attended the function while speaking on the occasion said that Comprehensive Mansar Rejuvenation/Development Plan after its implementation will usher in a phase of great development in the area and will be happening place of numerous activities.
He said that the Government’s sustained efforts aim to bring Mansar on World tourism map and make it an iconic place.
He said that the project once completed will provide a big boost towards increase in the number of tourists and pilgrims.
He said that Mansar is in the close vicinity of Katra, Holy City of Mata Vaishno Devi where pilgrims from all parts of the country and abroad visit on yearly basis and will draw tourists from there.
Mansar is of immense importance from pilgrimage as well heritage point of view besides being the most scenic attraction due to vast Mansar Lake and its wildlife sanctuary and flora & fauna.
He said that coming days will see a palpable change in terms of progress and development not only in tourism sector but in other sectors like Handicrafts and Culture. He said that the project will stimulate new economic activity in a sustained manner thus maximising benefits for conservation of this natural heritage and local communities as a whole.
Under the ambitious plan, the proposed interventions include development of tourist infrastructure in the form of facilitation/view points/ floating jetties etc. upgradation of roads/ existing pathways around the lake, ensuring access to different hamlets around the lake periphery.
The plan also includes restoration of the heritage buildings and reinforcing the existing infrastructural facilities, besides encouraging eco tourism and boost economy. The Tourism Department also proposes developing the destination for water sports activities, musical water fountains and water cascade works.
Secretary Tourism, Sarmad Hafeez and other officers were also present on the occasion.
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