Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh today said that Jammu region is fast emerging as a favorite pilgrim tourist destination with a number of measures initiated by the government to augment infrastructure and related facilities at these spots to attract tourists and devotees.Deputy Chief Minister stated this here today while addressing a huge gathering after inaugurating the historic three day annual Mathwar Mela at Nagrota.“Development of Jammu as a major pilgrim tourism destination would not only help promote tourism but also boost the economy and generate employment opportunities”, the Dy CM asserted while spelling out the Government’s efforts in this regard.Highlighting the measures being initiated to make Jammu a hub of pilgrim tourism, the Dy CM said that the government has embarked on a comprehensive plan to develop the virgin spots in the division besides upgrading facilities at the existing spots. “It is our earnest effort to ensure that Jammu gets a prominent place in the pilgrim Tourism Map”, he maintained.Senior BJP leader Ms Mamta Singh and senior officers of the district administration were present on the occasion.
Dr Singh asked the officers to ensure that all facilities are extended to the devotees in a hassle-free manner so that smooth and successful conduct of this religious event is ensured.Dr Singh stressed on maintaining synergy among different departments for systematic and foolproof arrangements at the Mela site for the convenience of the visiting devotees, who come in large numbers from different parts of the state as well the country.The Deputy Chief Minister directed the traffic authorities to ensure proper regulation of traffic during the festival days. He was informed that a control room is operating round the clock for convenience of the devotees while the Mela Officer is constantly monitoring the mela activities. He also asked for ensuring adequate facilities like drinking water, sanitation, health, uninterrupted power supply, security, ration, accommodation of devotees, deployment of fire tenders at the venue etc. Enroute, several deputations called on the Dy CM and apprised him of their issues regarding welfare and development of their respective areas.Singh assured the people that all their grievances and demands would be looked into for an early redressal.