JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh on Thursday said 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.
Dr Singh was speaking after inaugurating the annual four-day long Peer Kho Mela on the occasion of Mahashivratri. Minister of State for Tourism, Priya Sethi was also present on the occasion.
MLA Rajesh Gupta, senior political leader Yudhvir Sethi, prominent citizens and senior officers of different departments were present on the occasion.
Reiterating government’s commitment towards development of tourism in the State, Dr Singh said the 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 Prime Minister’s Development Package, he 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.
While addressing the gathering, Priya Sethi 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.