STATE TIMES NEWS
Jammu: Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday batted for exploring the possibilities of starting a “ceremonial parade” at Indo-Pak Octroi Border Out Post on lines of the Attari Wagah border to attract tourists.
The chief minister visited the Indo-Pak border at Suchetgarh on the outskirts of Jammu and directed authorities to speed up development projects to boost border tourism.
Mehbooba directed the divisional administration to explore the possibilities of starting ceremonial parade at the zero point (Octroi) so that the place attracts tourists like at Wagah-Attari point, an official spokesman said.
Ceremonial parade is conducted by the Border Security Force (BSF) and Pak Rangers at Wagah-Attari border point along International Border (IB) in Punjab daily. Octroi is located around 40 kms from Jammu city and is an entry point to Sialkot district of Pakistan on Jammu-Sialkot railway line.
The Chief Minister also reviewed execution of the Rs 4.92 crore tourism project at the zero point (Octroi), the spokesman said, adding the facilities being added at the place include a tourist parking lot costing Rs 60 lakh, rain water harvesting project, landscaping and plantation project costing Rs 1.35 crores etc. The entire project will be completed by early 2019, he said. The Divisional Commissioner of Jammu informed the chief minister that the road network from RS Pura to Suchetgarh was being improved by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at a cost of Rs 20 crore which would minimise the time of travel as well as make the ride more comfortable.
Also, the Chief Minister was informed that the pre independence Railway platform is being restored and developed in Frontier Express theme and museum form. The project is expected to cost Rs. 1.50 crore and shall be completed by early 2019. This feature is expected to add heritage and historic value to the place and enhance tourist footfall by a great measure.
Mehbooba Mufti directed the Tourism Department and other related agencies to complete the works within schedule so that with these facilities more tourists are persuaded to visit the place. Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Sham Choudhary; Minister of State for Tourism, Priya Sethi; Vice Chairman, SC Board, Bhushan Dogra; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, M K Bhandari; Secretary, Tourism, M H Malik; IGP Jammu zone, SDS Jamwal and others accompanied the Chief Minister during the tour.
Enroute, people in large numbers greeted the Chief Minister and brought their day to day issues into her notice. She issued on spot directions for the redressal of the same.
Earlier, the Chief Minister visited the historic Raghunath Bazaar here to inspect the pace of conservation and beautification works. She was received warmly by the members of trade associations and shopkeepers who thanked her for restoring the glory of this historic market.
So far Rs. 5. 19 crore have been incurred on developing and restoring various heritage facets on the two sides of the market.
Earlier, the Chief Minister visited the historic Raghunath temple and went round its various sections.
Chairman of the Managing Committee of the temple and former Chief Secretary, B R Kundal briefed the Chief Minister about the history of the temple complex.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has directed preservation and conservation of heritage spots and ancient monuments in Jammu city and adjoining areas.
Interacting with the members of a deputation of Jammu Heritage Society who called on her here today, the Chief Minister directed the Tourism Department to pace up conservation works at the Mubarak Mandi complex. She also directed proper landscaping of the green areas in the complex and taking steps for preparing a souvenir on the said monument. She directed completion of conservation works at the earliest so that a portion of the heritage complex is thrown open for visitors and tourists at the earliest.
Mehbooba Mufti also directed pacing up of work on the Jammu cable car project and installation of musical fountain at the Bagh-i-Bahu. She directed sticking to already laid out completion timeline for the project. Secretary, Tourism, Horticulture and Information, M. H. Malik was present on the occasion.
The deputation comprised of Baldev Khullar (President); Om Prakash (Chairman), Bhubneshwar Gandotra (General Secretary) and other members of the Society.
