STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Reiterating the demand for CBI inquiry in Jammu Tulip garden project, Jammu and Kashmir State President Shri Ram Sena (SRS), Rajiv Mahajan expressed concern over State Coalition government silence on the stalled prestigious tourism project worth Rs. 8.5 crore on 563 Kanals of land at Bhour Camp in Jammu, which was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on March 31, 2008.
Mahajan said that despite raising the issue repeatedly no one from the government side especially the Floriculture Minister have issued any statement about the fate of the prestigious tourism project which was one among the other tourism projects including artificial lake on Tawi river, Panjtirthi- Mahamaya Gandola project, Mansar lake, Surinsar lake, Purmandal, etc.
Mahajan demanded CBI inquiry in the alleged misappropriation of funds meant for the project and asked government to clear its stand on the status of the garden.
Rajiv Mahajan said that over the years Kashmir centric governments have been ignoring Jammu division in growth and development leaving this largest region (both population wise and area wise) starving. He said, “Despite Jammu having the great potential of attracting both domestic and foreign tourists with extra-ordinary destinations in Chenab valley, Rajouri-Poonch belt and upper areas of Kathua district, the erstwhile governments did not bother to prepare projects and submit them to Central Government for financial support so that many such areas could be developed as attractive tourist destinations.”
Mahajan said the Tulip Garden at Bhour Camp in Jammu is still without a compound wall as a result, various varieties of flowers in the garden are being destroyed by cattle, which can be seen grazing there. “Out of 563 kanals, seven varieties of flowers have been cultivated on 207 kanals,” he said adding that the hope with which the garden was inaugurated to promote tourism in Jammu has completely died down because the caretakers of the garden are not provided with material for its maintenance.
Mahajan appealed to all Jammu based political parties, Bar Association, Chamber of Commerce, traders, social and religious organisations to rise on the occasion and fight for the development of Jammu unitedly.
