Jammu January 22 (Scoop News) –
J&K Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora on
Friday said that exploitation of pilgrim and heritage places in
J&K State tops the agenda of the Government..
Reviewing the pace of progress of various works being executed
at Akhnoor here today, the Minister said that a massive
infrastructure developmental programme has been initiated at all
tourist destinations across the State, adding that strict
instructions have been issued to all executing agencies to
ensure timely completion of the infrastructure
Jora said that in order to provide added facilities to the
pilgrims and heritage lovers, the State Government is going to
submit a project report of Rs.4.98 crore to Union Ministry of
Tourism shortly. He said after receiving the nod, a park, water
canal, public conveniences, shelter sheds and bathing ghats
would be constructed on left bank of river Chenab at Jiapotha
pilgrim site.
Secretary Tourism and Culture, s Tanveer Jahan, Director
Tourism, Jammu, S.M. Sahani and other senior officers and
engineers of Tourism Department attended the meeting.
The Minister was apprised that under Centrally Sponsored Scheme
(CSS) Rs.1.42 crore have been expended on creation of various
tourist related infrastructure at Jiapotha for development of
river Chenab front. He was told that construction of two view
points, eight pre-cost tile paths for Mandir, two hum pipe
culverts, four bathing ghats, ten public conveniences, besides,
construction of steps at different places for walkway towards
river and back of walk way have been completed in the Ist phase.
While reviewing the pace of work, taken up in the 2nd phase
under CSSs, the meeting was informed that Rs.4.34 crore are
being utilized on 12 projects in the area and so far Rs.2.63
crore have been expended on the execution of various works.
The Minister was apprised that work on parking place and area
lighting at a cost of Rs.75 lakh is in progress whileas the
construction work of toilet complex, sun deck, paving of ghats,
pathways, archways, fencing have been completed under 2nd phase
at Jiapotha, Akhnoor.
Jora stressed upon the officers to ensure early execution of
Rs.90 lakh TRC Complex, besides, landscaping at Jiapotha river
front. He said that more facilities for tourists would be
created in the area and directed the concerned authorities to
formulate a detailed project report for further development of
Chenab river front near Ambaran and Jiapotha, Akhnoor for
approval by the Union Ministry of Tourism. He said under the
project water sports would be promoted in the area besides new
pathway with lights, ghats, view points and shelter sheds would
be developed for attraction of the visiting tourists.
