Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 22: Minister for Housing, Culture, Horticulture, Youth Services and Sports Raman Bhalla today dedicated Rs. 1 crore LED lights to tourists at Bahu Fort which will facilitate the visitors besides giving aesthetic look to this historical destination.
After dedicating LED lights to the people, the Minister said that Government has earmarked Rs. 45 lakh for illumination of outer periphery area of Bahu Fort and Rs. 55 lakh for inner area of the Maha Kali Mata temple, adding that in the first phase, 105 LED focus lights for illumination of outer area of the Bahu Fort has been dedicated to the visiting tourists today.
The Phase-II 130 LED lights in inner area of the Maha Kali temple would be inaugurated soon after completion of other allied works under the project.
Mr. Bhalla said that Government has taken up several initiatives to develop Bahu Fort area on modern lines by providing all way-side facilities like safe drinking water, better road connectivity, viewpoints and street lights etc.
For increasing tourist and pilgrims influx in Bahu Fort area, the Minister said the Central Government has recently approved a proposal involving Rs. 5 crore for installation of laser show on Shri Mata Vaishno Devi at Bahu Fort, adding that the it would be installed soon by Tourism Department.
Mr. Bhalla further informed that Government has approved Rs. 80 lakh for construction of Jorah Ghar, langer space and modernisation of ancient fountain in Maha Kali Temple besides restoration of pristine glory of Bahu Fort. He said work on the projects is under progress on war-footing and would be completed within stipulated time frame.
The Minister asked the accompanying officers of Tourism and Culture Department to display the history of Dogra rulers at prominent places at Maha Kali temple for the knowledge of visitors. He asked for establishing a Photo Gallery at Balidan Stambh near Bahu Fort dedicated to army jawans who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
Regarding restoration and conservation of rampart wall of Bahu Fort, Bhalla informed that the restoration work of the wall is on final stage. He directed officers to shift toilet blocks and water reservoir at suitable place near the temple, adding that such facilities are creating seepage in the fort.
Earlier, Mr. Bhalla also inspected the ongoing construction work of the multipurpose community hall at Gandhi Nagar near Shiv Temple at Gandhi Nagar.
Later, several deputations from Gandhi Nagar constituency met the Minister at Housing Board Guest House and projected their development related problems. Most of the projected problems of the deputations were solved on-the-spot and left out referred to the concerned for early settlement.
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