Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 27: Secretary Tourism, Farooq Ahmad Shah today released the annual calendar of Lakhanpur Sarthal Development Authority here today.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Tourism congratulated the Lakhanpur Sarthal Development Authority for their efforts in preparing the calendar showcasing the rich heritage and scenic locations of the region.
Farooq Ahamad Shah said that the Government is giving focussed attention in developing the tourism infrastructure in the region which has great potential for tourism. “The development of tourism infrastructure in and near Ranjit Sagar Lake is being taken up in a big way”, he added.
Chief Executive Officer, Lakhanpur Sarthal Development Authority, Dr. Bharat Bhushan apprised Secretary Tourism that LSDA is releasing its third annual calendar. The first calendar was released in the year 2004. Dr. Bharat Bhushan said that this year’s calendar showcases the heritage of the region including Basohli paintings and beautiful locations of Basohli, Billawar, Bani, Sarthal and Kathua. The pilgrim spots including Ancient Airawat temple, Nuknali Mata Shrine Bani, Ancient Shiva Temple, Billawar have also been showcased in the calendar.
Dr. Bharat Bhushan said that the recently built North India’s first cable- stayed Aman Setu bridge has also been showcased in the calendar He said that Aman Setu Bridge will not only provide fillip to the tourism via Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, but would also help in reviving heritage of the region.
Among others, Director Tourism Jammu, R K Varma, Special Secretary Tourism, M H Mir, Financial Advisor, Tourism Department, Manav Gupta. Joint Director Planning, Tourism Department, Omera Sharif and concerned officers were present on the occasion.