Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, May 8: Union Tourism Secretary, Parvez Dewan laid foundation stone of project for development of Chiryai (Muttal) as tourist spot at village Chiryai here today.
The GoI has sanctioned the project amounting Rs. 401.12 lakh which envisages restoration of water bodies and 16th century waterfalls, construction of viewpoints and other tourist developmental infrastructure in the area.
Secretary Tourism and Culture, Zaffar Ahmed Bhatt, Director Tourism, Soujanya Sharma, District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, Yasha Mudgal and District Development Commissioner, Reasi, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Secretary congratulated the people of the area for getting a tourist development project and appreciated the efforts of State Tourism Department for preparing a wonderful project for the development of the area as a tourist destination. He said that the project would definitely help the local people to generate their income and make themselves self reliant.
Underlining the importance of the project, Mr. Dewan said that the area would be developed at par with the Chashma Shahi in Srinagar and hoped that the area when developed as tourist destination, would attract maximum pilgrim tourism in the area who visit shrines of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine and Shiv Khori.
On this occasion, Secretary tourism and Culture, Zaffar Ahmad said that the Chiryai area would be developed as a tourist spot with all facilities required for creating a tourist destination. He said that the GoI has provided all facilities and incentives to attract more and more tourists which would boost the economy, develop local communities and creating job opportunities in the area.
Director Tourism, Soujanya revealed that the scheme was planned to attract tourist from Katra and other parts of the state and was aimed to provide amusement to the tourists amidst scenic splendour of the area. He said that the ancient water fall made by Rajasthani workers in the time of Maharaja Chaggar Singh would also be restored.
Rakesh Wazir, Consultant ITDC presented vote of thank.
Among others, President Hotel Association Katra, Sham Kesar, President Indian Style Wrestling Association, Shiv Kumar Sharma, prominent citizens, district officers and senior citizens of the area were present on the occasion.
Follow our WhatsApp channel