Jammu, March 24: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr Raghav Langer discussed promotion of religious tourist circuits in districts of Jammu division, here at a joint meeting of government functionaries and civil society members.
The meeting was attended by District Development Council members Vijay Pur, Rajpura, from the districts of the division, Block Development Council chairpersons, Sarpances, Mahants from Sant Samaj, Mahant Rajesh Bittu, President of Traders federation, Neeraj Anand; Market Associations, Prominent citizens, besides Executive Director Director Mubarak Mandi Heritage, Deepika Sharma, Joint Director Information, General Manager JKTDC, Deputy Director Tourism and other concerned.
At the outset, the Div Com apprised the participants that the Government has taken diverse steps for the promotion of religious tourism and cultural festivals in the districts of the division to attract tourist footfall towards new destinations.
The participants gave their valuable suggestions for promotion of tourist circuits.
The participants suggested that several tourist circuits can be promoted for yatris like Jatwal to Jasrota, Kalu Chak to Purmandal Uttar Behni circuit, historical temples at Billawar, Mast Garh fort, Sukrala Mata Temple, Tourist circuits in Reasi, Udhampur etc for pilgrims who are coming in for Shri Amar Nath Ji Yatra and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage.
The public representatives from the districts also gave their suggestions and sought intervention of the Government for development of basic facilities at religious places in their respective Blocks.
The PRIs from border areas called for the promotion of border tourism in the region by developing adequate facilities.
The participants expressed gratitude to the Government for development of the Musical fountain at Bagh e Bahu and the start of the beating retreat ceremony at Suchetgarh Border to attract tourists.
The DDC member Billawar said that the area is home to many historical temples like Sukrala Mata temple, 5 Mukhi Shiva temple, Bala Sundri, Mastgarh fort. However, he said there was a requirement of Holding spaces, waiting sheds and accommodation facilities for devotees coming to these Shrines.
Similarly, DDC member Rajpura said that Teaili Sthan, Nag Devta Temple have historical values but the shrines lack tourist facilities.
DDC Member Vijaypur, said that the Sidh Gloria temple at Sawankha is one of historical religious places and suggested constructing a gate on National Highway Swankha Morh to attract the pilgrims and tourists .
Sarpanch Treva stressed on promotion of border tourism and suggested development/ construction of Heritage Buildings in the border belt.
A PRI member from Nagrota Block suggested development of basic facilities at Paed Devta Temple which lacks the road and faces shortage of water and power supply. She also demanded a tube well for the area.
President Residency Road Jammu Pooja Mahajan stressed on development of Toilet complexes in the city for tourists visiting Raghunath Temple.
Likewise, the Corporators of JMC suggested including the component of renovation and development of historical temples in the Smart City Project. The Div Com informed the participants that JSCL has selected 10 temples for their overall development under Smart city.
During the meeting, Mahants from Sant Samaj also gave their valuable suggestions and highlighted the issues like unavailability of land for Samadhi for sadhus, lack of permission for construction of houses etc.
Some participants suggested drawing a calendar for yatras on the tourist circuits and its wide publicity.
The representatives of Market Associations said that with the development of tourist circuits in the region, the local economy will definitely get a boost. They also suggested starting of Special bus services for Shri Amarnath ji Yatris from Bhagwati Nagar to Raghunath Temple, Bahu Fort etc.
A PRI member from Ghagwal said that the name of Ghagwal should be renamed as Nar Singh Dham.
Sarpanch from Suchetgarh expressed his gratitude to the Government for starting the retreat ceremony at Suchetgarh border. He also suggested that there was a need for development of more facilities like sheds, proper sitting spaces, public toilets, canteen etc.
The Div Com gave a patient hearing to all the participants. The officers present in the meeting also shared their views on the promotion of tourist circuits in the region.
The Div Com said that all the suggestions will be considered for the development of feasible tourist circuits. He said that the cooperation of all the stakeholders is necessary for the purpose.
