Minister of State for Education, Tourism and Culture, Priya Sethi today stated that the government is committed to develop the places of religious importance and other tourist places and necessary efforts are afoot to ensure that State’s immense potential for pilgrim tourism is fully tapped into.The Minister was speaking during inauguration of Shiva Vatika at Peerkho constructed at a cost of Rs 47 lakh; the project was executed by Floriculture department.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the government is working with a purpose to boost religious tourism besides providing requisite tourist facilities to all visitors coming to pay their obeisance in various shrines across state.Citing various steps undertaken by the Government, the Minister said that several new initiatives including Ropeway projects, Multilevel parking, developing of Bawe, Mohmaya and Peerkho as Tri-shrines on the lines of the idea once conceived by Jambhu Lochan of connecting five shrines besides many other prestigious projects are underway to attract tourists and enhance pilgrim tourism in the region.She said that the government is ensuring proper augmentation of infrastructure at religious places.
PeerKho shrine has been a major pilgrim tourist destination in the region, the Minister said adding that its development will act as a stimulus for the economy of the area.Priya maintained that installation of this Fountain will add to beautification of the Peerkho shrine and attract more footfalls to the holy place. She said that successful conduct of events like the Peerkho mela held recently will be paramount in development of Peerkho and other such historical significant places.She further said that a special component has been earmarked for the tourism sector under Prime Minister's Development Package that will prove to be key factor in expansion of JK’s tourism industry.Priya stated that the state government is undertaking several promotional activities within and outside the State to reach out to the tourists. A comprehensive mechanism has been put in place to promote and develop the prominent places of religious and tourist importance, she added.MLA East Rajesh Gupta, Director Floriculture, Babila Rakwal, Mahant Pir Ravinath, Senior Politicians Yudhvir Sethi, Baldev Baloria, Vinay Gupta, Hari Om, Shashi Khajuria besides prominent citizens from all walks of life and functionaries of the concerned departments were present on the occasion.