Jammu and Kashmir possesses unique and incredible natural wealth and cultural heritage, besides has huge potential for growth of various tourism sectors, including wellness, heritage, cultural, spiritual, wildlife, adventure and sports tourism.This was stated by Minister for Forests, Environment and Ecology Choudhary Lal Singh while visiting the ancient fort at Hiranagar of Kathua district, which is also known as Jasmergarh Fort.Underlining that the tourism industry can contribute significantly in generating permanent employment opportunities and eliminating poverty, Lal Singh said in our State too the livelihood of a large number of people can be linked to the industry. Citing the place as an ideal spot for heritage as well as spiritual tourism, the Minister directed the Officers of Forest Department to prepare a comprehensive plan for the renovation of this ancient heritage of erstwhile Dogra Kingdom which also houses a famous temple which remains full of devotees throughout the year.
The Minister also said that fencing along the boundary of the fort besides evolving parks should be included in the plan for refurbishing this fort as the place was thronged by numerous devotees during special religious functions.Later, the Minister inaugurated the newly constructed building of Mahanpur Degree College which was completed by PWD(R&B) Department with an estimated cost of Rs 9.78 crore.
Addressing a large gathering at Mahanpur, the Minister said that earlier the College students were taking their classes in the building of Higher Secondary School Mahanpur but from today onwards they have their own building with all the facilities and experienced staff. He also said that the present dispensation is concerned about the education sector and is taking path breaking steps to modernize this field along with imparting pragmatic knowledge to make the students self reliant.For ferrying students to the newly constructed Degree College, Lal Singh announced two new buses so that students from remote areas can also enroll themselves in this college. Besides, financial assistance of Rs. 50000 under PMAY was given to 12 BPL beneficiaries whereas, 31 beneficiaries were provided financial aid for Individual House Hold Latrines (IHHL), by the Minister.On the spot services and certificates which include Permanent Resident Certificates, Caste Certificates, RBA certificates, Mutations, Revenue Extracts, Income Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Character Certificates, Aadhar verification, Legal Heir certificates, and other certificates were also provided by the Minister.For strengthening rural connectivity, the Minister kick started black topping on MaraPatti - Kelhari road which is to be executed by PWD(R&B) Department. The Minister also inaugurated several lanes and drains work which were completed by Rural Development Department.CCF Jammu, Farooq Gillani; ADC Basohli, Sanjay Gupta; Principal GDC Mahanpur, Dr Nutan Rasotra; ACD Kathua, CEO, Tehsildar, BDOs, Engineers of PHE, PDD & RDD, DFOs, teachers, Sub Divisional level officers and students in large numbers were present on the occasion.