Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture, Raman Bhalla has said that Government is taking up several steps to develop Bahu Fort area, which is among the fast emerging pilgrim and tourist destinations in the State.
The Minister was speaking at a high level meeting held at Bahu Fort Guest House, here today.
For boosting tourism in Bahu Fort area, the Minister said that Government has submitted a detailed project report of Rs. 5 crore to Central Government for installation of laser show on Shri Mata Vaishno Devi at Bahu Fort, adding that the project could be installed after approval by Union Tourism Ministry.
Mr. Bhalla further informed that Government has approved Rs. 69.50 lakh for construction of Jorah Ghar, langer space, LED lights and modernisation of ancient fountain in Maha Kali Temple besides restoration of pristine glory of Bahu Fort. He directed the JDA to immediately start the ongoing projects in the temple and complete these in time bound manner.
The Minister said Government is making all out efforts to provide modern wayside facilities to pilgrims and tourists at Bahu Fort area. He asked the Tourism and Culture department to display the history of Rani Mahal and other Dogra rulers at prominent places at Maha Kali temple for the knowledge of visitors. He asked for establishing a Photo Gallery for those army jawans who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
Regarding restoration and conservation of rampart wall of Bahu Fort, Mr. Bhalla asked the JDA to immediately start the construction work of the wall and complete it within the stipulated time frame. He asked JDA to shift toilet blocks and water reservoir at suitable place near the temple, adding that such facilities are creating seepage in the fort. He asked the Assistant Commissioner Revenue to remove illegal encroachments within the Maha Kali temple.
The Minister said facilities like recreational garden, aquarium, balidan stumb, viewpoints, illumination, drinking water besides construction of darshani deodi near Kalika colony will make the place a major attraction for those visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji and other tourist spots of the State. He said the pilgrims of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji have first come to Shri Maha Kali Temple at Bahu Fort for darshan.
The Minister also instructed for preparing DPRs for preservation of revered pond near Shiv Temple at Sunjwan.
Secretary Tourism and Culture Mr. Zaffar Ahmed, Secretary Housing, Urban and Development Mr. Satesh Nehru, Director Tourism Mr. Soujanya Sharma, Vice Chairman Jammu Development Authority (JDA) Mr. Kuldeep Lal Khajuria, Special Secretary Tourism and Culture Mrs. Reva Kumari, Director Floriculture Mr. K K Sharma, Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) Mr. Kiran Wattal, Superintending Engineer JDA Mr. P L Bhushan and Convener INTACH, Mr. S M Sawhney besides other senior officers from JMC, JDA, State Archaeology Wing, INTACH and Tourism accompanied the Minister.