Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment Choudhary Lal Singh has said that Patnitop and Sanasar spots are to be developed with improved basic amenities like road connectivity, safe drinking water, electricity, boarding and lodging facilities, landscaping, adding that both the places are the hub of tourists.This was stated by the Minister while interacting with the locals during his visits to Patnitop and Sanasar areas, here today in Udampur district.MLA Pawan Gupta, District Development Commissioner Udhampur Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary and Head of Departments of Forests and its allied wings besides senior officers of Tourism, PDD, PHE accompanied the Minister.Choudhary Lal Singh said that Mantalai, Sudhmahadev, Sanasar, Nathatop, Baghliar, Batote and Kud would be promoted as one tourism circuit with Patnitop as its central hub.For development of Sanasar, the Minister was informed that Sanasar also known as a ‘mini Gulmarg’ pretty much has Gulmarg-like qualities – it is at a moderate elevation allowing both Summer and Winter adventurous activities. He said Government is making all out efforts to develop all the spots like Sanasar and Patnitop as tourist hubs of the State by providing way side all facilities amenities to the visiting tourists.Exploiting the lush green coverage – which is just right for the royal and prestigious sport – Golf, a part of Sanasar has also been developed as a Golf Course open for tourists to try their hand at it. Choudhary Lal Singh said that Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department promotes and controls adventure sports in Sanasar and provides the sports gear as well for those who want to indulge in the sports. Summer temperatures between 10-20 degrees Celsius provide an ambience conducive for these adventure sports and also make them enjoyable.The Minister directed the tourism authorities to explore more potential for adventure tourism of Sanasar. He asked the Forest Department officers to establish an amusement park on the Sanasar-Patnitop road so that both areas were developed as family destinations.
Emphasizing on the need to protect the forest wealth of the state from encroachments, Choudhary Lal Singh directed the officers of the Forest department to conduct demarcation of forest land in their respective jurisdictions in a transparent manner so that encroachment can be curbed at all levels. He issued instructions to the Forest Department officers for making in and around areas of the Sansar Park and Patnitop as polythene free. He also appealed the people not to dump waste in and around the public utlity areas of the state, adding that Government is committed to provide hygienic atmosphere to the general people.Stating that encroachment on Forest land will not be tolerated at any cost, the Minister called for formulation of a proper demarcation plan involving greater vigil, proper fencing methodology and involvement of locals. He also called for undertaking computerization of forest land records so that proper upkeep of the available resources is possible.Expressing concern over the spurt in the incidence of forest fires, Choudhary Lal Singh directed the DFOs to take stern action against the mischief mongers involved in the forest fires so that the precious green gold is preserved from destruction.
Calling the DFOs as the real custodians of forests, the Minister exhorted upon them to work with zeal and dedication, adding that the government would lend full support to those who perform their duties efficiently. However, he warned them that if any complaint is received, which raises questions about the credibility of the government and the department, no laxity will be allowed. He also asked them to visit the forest land under their jurisdiction regularly for developing close rapport with the public and ascertain the ground realities. Reviewing the supply of timber in the region, the Minister vehemently stressed upon the officers of Forest department to keep a close liaison with the SFC so that people do not face any timber shortage. He said that far-flung areas of the state need special attention as it is the priority of the government to fetch them all the services at their doorsteps.Choudhary Lal Singh said that the funds allotted to the department should be utilized in a judicious manner and wherever possible visible development works should also be initiated by the department for the benefit of common masses. He was apprised that under National Afforestation scheme, development works are undertaken by the department in coordination with Village Forest CommitteesEarlier, the Minister also laid foundation stone of Gangera Hills City Park at Udhampur. He asked the Forest Department authorities of Udhampur district to gear up men and machinery in developing the park within stipulated time frame on modern lines so that the people enjoyed their spare time with full joy there.Later, he also visited Mand Forest enclosure in Udhampur district and directed the DFO of the area to plant ornamental, fruit and devdar and kail plants there.