Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, June 18: BJP State spokesperson on Kashmir Affairs, Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo, who is on a three-day tour of Bani-Billawar-Basohli area in a statement issued here, today stressed the need to upgrade the maintenance projects regularly. The whole area has a great potential which needs to be boosted urgently, he added.
While some good initiatives have been taken by the authorities concerned, Chrungoo said that the whole area, in order to be recognised as a major tourist triangle, warrants to be administratively and planning-wise classified into two parts. One as a destination for six months and the other as a destination for 12 months since temperature of the whole area ranges from minus 10°C to plus 40°C. The rivers, water bodies, artificial and natural dams and the lush green venues coupled with trout fish production possibilities and cold climate horticulture form unlimited economic and cultural opportunities which the State Government authorities need to bring under regular planning.
He maintained that the road connectivity is a major issue. This issue stands having been taken up with the Chief Engineer R&B Jammu recently who has been requested to take immediate steps to upgrade and maintain the surface connectivity for buses and heavy vehicles. Dak Banglows and tourist complexes can be accorded due priority by the State Tourist Development Corporation. The earlier mind-set about the development of the places in Jammu region from the tourist angle needs to be changed at a drastic pace, he added.
He said the people of the region, who have voted BJP overwhelmingly, in the recently Lok Sabha elections deserve attention and facilities by the Government and administration without excuse.
He however complimented the Lakhanpur-Sarthal Development Authority for taking care of the areas falling under its domain.
Chrungoo maintained that a regular review of the development of the whole area will be put on the administration’s and the elected candidate’s radar chart of the respective constituencies. Central projects will be brought in to play their role in tourism, religious tourism, organic farming and indigenous arts and crafts promotion in the area.
Chrungoo, as the chief guest in the ongoing Royal Cricket Club Tournament at far-flung Sarthal (Bani) grounds distributed prizes among the players of the tournament. He in his speech on the occasion delivered message of encouragement to the participating players and organisers from three neighbouring states. Dr. Jitendra Singh, MoS in PMO will be the chief guest in the final match of the tournament on June 23.
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