Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh today said that festivals present an occasion to foster community atmosphere, besides providing an opportunity for people to break away from their monotonous routines, spend time with family and friends and people from different walks of life.The Deputy Chief Minister was speaking after inaugurating the annual four-day Peer Kho Mela on the occasion of Mahashivratri in presence of Minister of State for Tourism, Priya Sethi here today.MLA Mr Rajesh Gupta, senior leader Yudhvir Sethi, prominent citizens and senior officers of different departments were present on the occasion.Dr Singh reiterating government's commitment towards development of tourism in the State said that Peer Kho is a prime religious and recreational tourist spot for Jammu and concerted efforts are being made to develop it so that it comes up as one of the major tourist attractions in the old Jammu city.Referring to the initiatives being taken to develop tourism in the old Jammu city, the Deputy CM said the upcoming Peer Kho-Mahamaya-Baghe Bahu Fort Ropeway project will put Peer Kho firmly on the tourist circuit and will not only benefit the state economy but also create job opportunities for the people related with tourism activities and also the youth.
While referring to the Prime Minister’s Development Package, the Deputy Chief Minister said that sufficient funds have been earmarked for the tourism sector, which would ensure that Jammu comes up as prime tourist destination, besides argumentation of the existing infrastructure and creation of new ones also takes place.Dr Singh said Rs 280 crore have been approved for various tourism projects in Jammu. He said provision of having light and sound in the historic Bahu Fort and other related things is also coming up at an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore."Work is also underway on the renovation of the historic Mubarak Mandi project which would also come up as one of the major tourist attractions in the Jammu city," he added.The deputy chief minister said that besides, these the work is underway on the prestigious Rs 200 crore bus stand multi-level parking project, super market parking and also Panjtirthi which would ensure that the decongestion of the Jammu city takes place by providing them quality parking facilities. He said that work is also underway on the prestigious Tawi River front project, besides, the Maharaja Hari Singh Park which would be having the requisite recreational facilities besides, the provision of having reading rooms and book shops. Minister of State for Tourism, Ms Priya Sethi while addressing the gathering hoped that the festival will usher the State in the era of peace and prosperity. She said the government has already taken the steps for developing pilgrimage tourism in the State and the area is also being developed on the same lines.“We would ensure that our tourism potential would be explored and are committed to showcase the rich tourism potential at national level and beyond,” she added.