AIIMS Awantipora expected to be functional by Nov
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 17: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today convened a meeting to review the activities being undertaken to develop the Gharana Wetland and Suchetgarh as popular tourist destinations in Jammu division.
Present in the meeting were Principal Secretary, Culture, Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Commissioner Secretary, Tourism, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Chief Wildlife Warden, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, DG, Budget and representatives of BSF/Army besides other concerned officers.
In order to increase visitors footfall to the border tourism destination of Suchetghar, the Chief Secretary directed for further augmenting the amenities available there for the tourists. He asked for formulation of a DPR regarding construction of well established, all-weather pavilion with adequate capacity to host the tourists coming there.
He suggested the BSF personnel, guarding this border, to establish a war museum where people could get to know about the heroic stories of jawans during the 1965 and 1971 wars besides other local stories of popular valour. He asked them to study and replicate the museums created by Army at the places of Gulmarg and Akhnoor. He also advised them to put on display different pieces of art, craft and digital photos depicting history of this place.
Commissioner Secretary, Tourism, Yasha Mudgal, informed the meeting about the tourism promotion campaigns being organised by the department in the past.
It was revealed that around Rs 151 lakh have been spent on development of Suchetgarh corridor, commencement of retreat parade at Heritage BOP Octroi Post by way of constructing saluting base, pathways, additional gender based toilets, security post and furniture. It was added that construction of entry gate, parking, beautification and allied works are going on at an estimated cost of Rs 80 lakh and currently 55% completion has been achieved under the new project.
Regarding development of Gharana as an eco-tourism stop, the Chief Secretary was briefed by the Chief Wildlife Warden, Sarvesh Rai, that number of facilities had been raised by the Department to attract the tourists and bird lovers.
It was added that a two storey eco-stop and a watch tower is being constructed to provide different amenities to the tourists under one roof. Besides, waste treatment system for solid, liquid and sewage has also been created to keep the environment of the water body clean and free from any pollution.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary held a joint meeting of the authorities of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Awantipora, Health & Medical Education, PWD, Jal Shakti and CPWD regarding early completion of this vital health facility in the region.
The Chief Secretary assessed the status of physical infrastructure raised at the site, so far, along with proposed dates of its completion. He enquired about the current status of labourers available for execution of work there and impressed upon the agency to enhance their number immediately after the winter season is over.
He also reviewed the water supply scheme and the approach road leading to the institute. He directed the Jal Shakti Department to complete the first phase of the WSS including 3 bore wells and other allied works by May this year for providing adequate water supply to the hospital to become functional.
Dulloo further assessed the additional land and other requirements for future expansion of this project. He enquired from the Executive Director about any of the pending issues deserving administrative support and simultaneously assured him of all possible assistance.
Executive Director (ED), AIIMS Awantipora, Dr Sachidananda Mohanty, provided overall scenario of the readiness of this facility along with the possible dates of completion of each block.
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