Minister of State for Education, Tourism and Culture, Priya Sethi emphasized on development of religious places to promote state’s pilgrim tourism saying that the government is committed towards tapping JK’s vast religious tourism potential.The Minister was speaking during her visit to Kameshwar Temple, Akhnoor on the occasion of Mahashivratri.MLA Akhnoor, Rajeev Sharma , MLA Khour, Dr Krishan Lal, Mahant Rameshwar Dass besides prominent citizens of the area and senior officers of various departments were present on the occasion.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the government has taken several initiatives to tap every aspect of pilgrim tourism in the state. The focus is being laid on development of prominent religious places located in every part of the state with assurance of enhanced amenities for the pilgrims to make their stay comfortable and their visit a memorable one.“Necessary mechanism has already been put in place by the government to upgrade and enhance the infrastructure of religious places across the state”, the Minister maintained.
She said the religious place like Kameshwar Temple is of great historical and cultural importance and efforts are being made not only to preserve its historical significance but also to ensure its development to give a fillip to the economy of the area.The Minister said that the Prime Minister’s development package for the state envisions holistic development of tourism sector and developing JK as major pilgrimage tourism destination. “Jammu and Kashmir has a rich Shaivism heritage that can be showcased through religious tourism”, she added.She said that the State has historical shrines and religious places in every region which have a great potential to attract large number of pilgrims and boost tourism sector.Priya said that “The City of Temples” has great potential in the field of tourism as edifices, monuments, religious and other scenic places here reflect the culture and tradition of the region and concerted efforts are being made to preserve and promote the same.Later, the Minister visited Peerkho and Diwan Mandir and prayed for peace and prosperity in the state.