Minister of State for Tourism Priya, Sethi today said that Government is focussed on the development of tourism in Jammu and many steps are being taken to develop tourist spots along River Tawi.Replying to a Private Members Resolution moved by Mr Sat Paul Sharma in Legislative Assembly today, the Minister said that the J&K State Cable Car Corporation invited tenders for supply, installation, testing and commission of Hybrid system Ropeway project in two sections from Peerkho to Mahamaya and from Mahamaya to Bahu Fort (Shahabad) in January, 2012.
She said after evaluation of tenders the lowest quoter M/S Damodar Ropeway and Infra Ltd in technical collaboration with STM, Turkey, was awarded the contract and LOI was issued in favour of M/S Damodar Ropeway and Infra Ltd on August, 2012.The Minister said that the Environment and Wildlife clearances were issued in favour of the Corporation in September-November 2013 respectively pursuant to the recommendation made by Central Empowered Committee constituted by the Supreme Court of India which conducted site inspection in June-2013.The Minister said that the Corporation entered into an agreement with M/S Damodar Ropeway and Infra Ltd. on in May, 2014. She said however, due to delay in transfer of land to Cable Car Corporation the work on the project could not be started immediately after signing of the agreement.
The Minister said that the work on the project is in progress at present, the foundation work of the station buildings at Bahu Fort (Shahabad) and Mahamaya Park of section second is under execution. She said the project shall be completed within next 21 month as per the schedule submitted by the construction company.
The Minister said that no major price escalation was made in the project and the total cost is about Rs 30 crore.The Minister said that five temples along River Tawi are being taken up under Hridhay project. She said that four heritage gates in Jammu are also being taken up for development and the DPRs in this regard have already been prepared. She said that development of Raghunat Bazar has been extended upto Diwana Mandir. Mubarak Gul pleaded for development of Bajalta and Sidra areas as tourist spots. He pleaded for equitable development in all regions of the state.Later Mr. Sat Pal Sharma withdrew the resolution after satisfactory reply from the Minister.