Sir,
This refers to the editorial ‘Swadesh Darshan’ (DEAugust 8, 2016). It is really heartening to read that under the Swadesh Darshan Programme, the Union Ministry of Tourism has alloted a sum of Rs.27.23 crores for the development of four tourist sites in Jammu, namely the old railway platform at Suchetgarh on Indo-Pak border, an amusement park at Sidhra Golf course, establishment of musical water fountain with sound and light show at Bagh-e-Bahu and installation of solar lights and illumination besides promotion of handicrafts at Katra.There is no doubt that our state is blessed with unparalleled natural beauty which attracts a huge footfall of tourists every year. Moreover,the people here have myriad traditions and customs which bear testimony to our rich glorious past.Besides, there are many buildings and monuments of historical importance, which remind us of our ancient culture and rich architectural knowledge in the days of yore.But what is needed is to highlight all these manifestations in a proper manner to attract tourists and showcase the glory of these things.So these sites need to be developed on the priority basis and the Government should start the work without any delay.The repair and revival of Suchetgarh railway station -the spot where railway line from Sialkot used to enter for Jammu in the pre-Partition days and creation of gallantry gallary will go a longway in recreating the glory of this station in the days gone by and thus, boosting tourism in this border area in a big way.There is also need to include more tourist sites such as Krimachi Temples, Patnitop, Surinsar and Mansar lakes, Ramnagar Fort, Sudhmahsdev, Mantalai etc under Swadesh Darshan to attract tourists to these spots which have a great tourist potential which has not been fully tapped yet.These sites need to be developed as tourist circuits and other facilities such as guest houses on affordable rates, upgradation of roads leading to these spots, provision of view points,etc.should also be provided to attract tourists in large number and thus, boost the local economy.
Yours etc….
Ashok Sharma,
Flat No 4,
Housing Colony,
Udhampur.
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