Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 18: District Development Council (DDC) Suchetgarh and senior Congress leader Taranjit Singh Tony, along with MLA Gharu Ram Bhagat, today inaugurated the much-awaited double-lane road to Gharana Wetland, a Rs 6 crore infrastructure project aimed at promoting border and eco-tourism in the region.
Addressing the gathering, Tony said Suchetgarh would be developed as a model constituency, with emphasis on tourism promotion, improved connectivity and strengthened public infrastructure. He referred to the timely intervention and support of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in advancing the project. Tony also highlighted the role of the then Chief Secretary A K Mehta, who, acting on the LG’s directions, approved the double-laning of the road in view of the rising tourist inflow.
Tony said the earlier single-lane road caused inconvenience to tourists, especially during peak seasons, despite Gharana being an internationally recognized wetland and bird-watching destination. The new double-lane road will significantly ease travel and enhance the overall tourism experience.
Highlighting the global importance of Gharana Wetland, Tony said that Siberian birds travel nearly 12,000 kilometres every year to reach Gharana, and this season alone over 400 species of birds have been recorded. “Birds from across the world visit Gharana every year, making it a shining example of border tourism with international significance,” he added.
MLA Gharu Ram Bhagat termed the project a major milestone for the border belt, stating that improved connectivity would open new avenues for tourism-led development and employment for local youth.
Prominent among those present on the occasion were Sarpanch Omkar Singh, Lambardar Sarban Choudhary, Sonu Choudhary, Mittal Choudhary, Balvinder Choudhary, Pappu Choudhary and Vijay Kumari.
Tony further said that the Suchetgarh-Gharana road will be developed in a phased manner, adding that several new projects are already in the pipeline, which will further boost tourism and economic activity in the border area.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
