Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology Choudhary Lal Singh on Sunday said the current dispensation is committed towards providing good governance to the people amid dawn of development.Speaking during a function held at north India's first cable-stayed bridge, Atal Setu, Mr Singh said that bridge has provided connectivity among the three states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab and it is an architectural marvel in the country. “It was only possible because of the seriousness and commitment of the government,” he said.Pertinently the bridge was inaugurated last year on river Ravi named 'Atal Setu' at Basohli situated on Dunera-Basohli-Bhadharwah road in Kathua district.Sketching a picture of ‘good governance’ by the current dispensation, the Minster said that government under the leadership of Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti has set new standards in providing good and transparent governance.
The Minister said that the construction of Atal Sethu Bridge not only enhanced the connectivity of the area but it will also give massive 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.Mr Singh further said that concerted efforts were underway to conserve and revive the world famous Basohli paintings besides reviving pristine glory of historical Basohli town. He said that government is committed to revive the glory of Basohli area, as it is famous for its rich heritage including Basohli paintings and Pashmina shawl.
“A massive programme is underway to promote Basohli Pashmina shawls and other crafts of the historic township,” he said, adding that earlier the art camp organized in the area was an effort to bring the area on the tourist map and also to create awareness about the local art forms. He said that 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 over Rs 200 crore has been earmarked for developing water sports at Ranjit Sagar Dam at Basohli besides developing other necessary infrastructure. He said that a state of the art nursery would come up at Hutt, Basholi where an estimated 50 lakh saplings would be planted. The minister was also appraised about the road projects from Hatli to Mannu areas of the township.
Reiterating the commitment of the present Government to provide improved and better amenities to the people of the State, the Minister said that adequate funds have been released under various sectors like PHE, PDD, RDD, Health, R&B and Education across Kathua district.“Government is working with the motto of 'Citizen-First' and is committed to provide a transparent and accountable administration which works for the welfare of the common citizens,” he said. "We want you (public) to hold us (government) accountable for our works on periodical basis," he said, adding “What we had promised, we will definitely deliver to our capabilities.”He said that good governance entails improving services to the public through efficient administrative system, timeliness, reducing corruption and effective implementation of development programme.MLA Banni, Jewan Lal, officials of Department of Forest, Environment and Ecology, district administration among others were present on the occasion.