Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 16: Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh today said that Jammu and Kashmir possesses immense potential for growth in tourism sector and that resolute efforts are underway to give new dimensions to State’s tourism industry.
He said this during the concluding ceremony of annual Peer Kho Mela. Dr Singh said from adventure to pilgrimage tourism, the State Government is reaching out to the tourists by undertaking several promotional activities, facilitating the exchange of tourism market by easing the barriers of travel and encouraging the partnerships between the public and private sectors.
The four-day event witnessed various cultural programs based on Shiv-Parvati theme like Tandav, Shiv Barat, Shiv-Kali and Bhajans devoted to Lord Shiva. Traditional sports activities, fun rides, ethnic stalls put up by the locals and Government departments attracted huge footfall. The district administration and the Mandir committee made elaborate arrangements for the devotees visiting the holy place.
The Mela was concluded with the Dangal. The final match of the event proved to be a one-sided affair as Shamsher tried to adopt a defensive approach to slow the match down but Bhupinder Singh from Punjab proved to be too good for the rival and registered the victory to lift the title.
Gurj and Patta were awarded by Peer Kho Mandir Committee to the winner whereas cash prizes of Rs 25,000 and Rs 10,000 were awarded to the winner and the runner-up respectively by the Tourism Department.
Deputy Chief Minister said that the State has a vast potential to be a prime tourist destination as it showcases the perfect bouquet of diverse tradition and culture. He said by initiating several prestigious projects, the Government is ensuring that the tourists will witness a new attraction every time they come to the state that will ultimately give a boost to JK’s tourism sector.
“The State has set a great example of religious harmony that remained united to fight against the evil of terrorism”, Dr Singh asserted. Stressing on the development of prominent places of religious and tourist importance, Dr Singh said that the inclusive mechanism has been put in place to promote historically significant tourist spots.
During her address, Minister of State for Education, Tourism and Culture, Priya Sethi said that the Government is working with a purpose to boost the tourism catering to the needs of everyone in terms of a desirable tourist destination. Development of religious places for the promotion of pilgrim tourism in the region is the utmost priority of the Government, the Minister affirmed.
MLA East Rajesh Gupta, VC JAKFAD, Munish Sharma, ADC Jammu, Dr Arun Manhas, Director Tourism Jammu, Smita Sethi, Mahant Peer Kho Peer Ravi Nath, members of Peer Kho Mandir Committee along with prominent citizens were present on the occasion.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel