Govt working on plan to divert Mata Vaishnodevi pilgrims to Jammu: Bhalla

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 18: Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla, said that Government is embarking upon an ambitious plan to divert pilgrims of Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji to City of Temples, by establishing more parks and beautifying the existing ones with added facilities.
This was stated by Minister during his visit at Rail Head, JDA Park opposite RBI building Jammu.
The Minister was accompanied by Vice Chairman Jammu Development Authority Sarita Chauhan, senior functionaries of JDA, PHE, Floriculture and other concerned departments.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that Coalition Government is implementing several innovative measures for massive development of recreational infrastructure in the State.
While inspecting the park, Mr. Bhalla directed the JDA for proper fencing whereever required with the iron bars and plantation of seasonal flowers in the park. He also asked VC JDA for installation of High Mast lights in the park for convenience of the visitors.
Responding to the demands of the locals, the Minister announced expansion of the park with development of an exclusive children’s corner. He directed the concerned to formulate a proposal for the same.
Maintaining that over one crore pilgrims and other tourists come for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and Shri Amarnath ji yatra from different parts of the world in the State, he said that Government has been contemplating to create wayside facilities for the facilities of these tourists. These wayside facilities will comprise parks, public utility places, eatable points and other facilities of tourist attraction in Jammu city.
Later, the Minister convened a meeting at Summer Secretariat with senior officers to take stock of supply of drinking water facility in Jammu city.
The meeting was informed that tube wells constructed by ERA at Sainik Colony Sector A, Sector D, Bandurakh, Babliana having capacity of 1 lakh gallon are ready for commissioning while testing process of tube well at Sainik Colony Sector F having capacity 1.5 lakh gallon is being done and would be ready within a week.
While reviewing the status of BSUP, Mr. Bhalla asked the JMC to clear all pending liabilities on priority.