Principal Secretary Tourism, Navin Kumar Choudhary today directed for fast tracking the proposed tourism projects around Ranjit Sagar Lake.The Principal Secretary was speaking at a meeting convened here to review the functioning of Bani-Basohli Development Authority (BBDA) and Lakhanpur-Sarthal Development Authority (LSDA).D.C. Kathua, Om Prakash Bhagat; Director Tourism Jammu Deepika Sharma; Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) BBDA Nagendra Singh Jamwal; Director Finance, Lateef Poshwal and Director Planning, P.S. Kakroo attended the meeting.Principal Secretary directed the tourism department authorities to sort out the issue of jurisdiction of the area falling in J&K territory to facilitate the formulation of DPRs for destination development projects under PMDP-II around the Dam.Navin stressed on the utilisation of funds under CAPEX and PMDP-I for tourism infrastructure development around the Ranjit Sagar Lake. He also directed to explore the possibility of developing infrastructure for laser light show and water front development of Ranjit Sagar Lake from Atul Setu to Purthu beach.The Principal Secretary emphasized on publicity and promotion of the destinations around the Lake by putting up attractive signages at main crossings.
Referring to the historic building in the area, the Principal Secretary directed for establishing a museum cum exhibition centre for Basohli paintings at the iconic building. He further directed the CEO, BBDA to submit a concept paper for development of Siyara area as a Paragliding hub.Later, the Principal Secretary also reviewed functioning of the Lakhanpur-Sarthal Development Authority.He exhorted the officers to encourage home stays, eco camping at the tourist destinations of LSDA and identify land for establishment of Helipads at Dhagger, Duggan, Machedi, Bala Sundri, which could be utilized not only for tourism arrivals but also for rescue during emergencies. He asked the Director Tourism to explore the possibility of starting Aero Sports Academy in the area.Principal Secretary asked the CEO LSDA to initiate the process for introducing paddle Boats in UJJ Barrage involving the unemployed local youths.Meanwhile, the Principal Secretary laid e-foundation stone for Water Sport Centre at Ranjit Sagar Dam in presence of Secretary Youth Services and Sports, Sarmad Hafeez and Secretary Sports Council Dr. Naseem Javid Choudhary.