Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh today said that concerted efforts are underway to conserve and revive the world famous Basohli paintings besides reviving pristine glory of historical Basohli town.The Deputy Chief Minister was speaking at the concluding function of the Basohli art camp organized by Tourism Department in collaboration with Lakhanpur Sarthal Development Authority at Basohli in Kathua district.Minister of State for Tourism, Priya Sethi, Director Tourism Jammu, Sushma Chauhan, DC Kathua, Ramesh Kumar and senior officers of the district administration were present on the occasion.Speaking on the occasion, Dr Singh said the government is committed to revive the glory of Basohli area, as it is famous for its rich heritage including Basohli paintings and Pashmina shawl.
He said the art camp is an effort to bring the area on the tourist map and also to create awareness about the local art forms. “The traditional teacher-student (Guru-Shisha) learning method is the need of the hour to propagate the art form of making Pashmina shawl and Basohli paintings among the next generation. From next academic session idea of Basohli will have skill art trade which will further help in conserving the local art forms,” he said.Referring to the Prime Minister’s Development Programme, Dr Singh said adequate funds have been allocated in the package for tourism sector to ensure that the state comes up as one of the major tourist destinations of the world. He said an amount of Rs 200 crore has been earmarked for developing water sports at Ranjit Sagar Dam at Basohli besides developing other necessary infra.
Deputy Chief Minister said the construction of Atal Sethu Bridge not only enhanced the connectivity of the area but it will also give flip to the tourism of the area. “Lakhanpur Sarthal Tourism Development Authority will be bifurcated into Billawar-Duggan and Basohli–Bani Development Authority which would ensure that tourism and tourist related activities get the boost,” he said.He said several projects have already been initiated for enhancing road connectivity of the area.Priya Sethi enumerated the measures taken by government to ensure that Jammu province comes up as one of the major tourist hubs of the country.Deputy Chief Minister also felicitated the participants of the camp including Padamshree Vijay Sharma of Chamba and others who had come from other states like Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and local artists.On the occasion, Dr Singh also visited different stalls showcasing Basohli art.