Srinagar, Apr 08: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that tourism potential of Jammu is unique and can create niche on global map.
Sinha after inaugurating Tulip Garden at Sanasar, the first such park for Jammu Division, said, “Tourism potential of Jammu is unique in many ways. With breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, magnificent cuisine and warm hospitality, it can create a niche for itself on global tourism map.”
Congratulating the tourists and local residents on the occasion, he said the Garden is spread over 40 Kanals with 2.75 Lakh Tulip Bulbs of 25 different varieties, situated amid lush green woods in Ramban district will provide major impetus to tourism & trade activities.
Observing that the tourism potential of Jammu is unique in many ways, the Lt Governor said with breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, magnificent cuisine and warm hospitality.
“It can create a niche for itself on the global tourism map and the administration is committed to ensure all the necessary infrastructure & resources,” he said.
LG said in March, he directed the Vice Chancellor of SKUAST Kashmir to make arrangements for growing Tulip’s planting material in J&K instead of relying on importing from Holand. The effort will ensure that J&K is able to tap the Rs 400 Cr market of Tulips in the country,” he said.
The Lt. Guv said under the new ‘Tourism Mission” initiative 75 new destinations, 75 Sufi/religious sites, 75 new cultural, heritage sites and 75 new tracks are being developed in J&K UT to open up new economic avenues for fulfilling the aspirations of the people.
“Overall around 300 new destinations are being developed by the tourism department in the upcoming time,” he said.
LG Sinha said development of water parks at twin cities of Jammu and Srinagar, establishment of cultural centres at Ramban, Udhampur, Kathua, Jammu, Rajouri &Poonch will help in building local capacities, boost employment & favourable climate to entrepreneurship.
He said today even small and remote villages are dreaming big and with ample opportunities, people-focused inclusive and sustainable development policies & availability of robust infrastructure.
“There is no dearth of budget for development under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi. All the citizens should work together for the progress of the society with a positive approach to build a modern, industrialised and prosperous J&K,” LG Sinha said.
He said administration is working for the Aam Aadmi & inclusiveness is in the centre of our journey to high growth.
“With participatory governance approach & people’s cooperation we will create a better future for the generations to come,” he added.
The Lt Governor underscored that PM’s Mantra of ‘Development as well as Heritage’ is guiding us in this journey.
“Now J&K has become the most preferred tourist destination. ‘Caravan tourism’ as well as development of unexplored destinations will give new momentum to J&K’s tourism growth,” he said.
LG Sinha said Rs 447 crore has been allocated to the tourism sector this year to develop J&K as a modern and smart tourist destination. Samba Fort, Hari Parbat and General Zorawar Singh Palace will also be renovated to revive the ageless cultural legacy.
LG said connectivity was the biggest problem in the Union Territory and today more than 1 crore lakh projects of highways and tunnels are underway.
“Work is going on full progress and four laning of Jammu-Srinagar highway has begun with opening of T5 tunnel. After two days, Kunfer Tunnel will be opened for public and it will be inaugurated by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari,” he said.
“I understand that for decades people were facing problems. Traders of Ramban town and Banihal have faced losses to their business and I am aware of it. I am happy that ease of living and ease of doing business will bring change in their lives,” he said.
LG Sinha said in the next 24 months, Jammu and Kashmir will become a global destination. On 19th March, Dubai-based Emaar, became the first overseas company to invest in a mega-mall spread over 10 lakh square feet in Srinagar.
“ The group will invest a total of ₹500 crore, including ₹250 crore for the mega-mall, and more to help set up IT towers in Jammu and Srinagar,” he said.
LG Sinha said the Emaar group plans to invest ₹250 crore to set up the mega-mall, tipped to be one of the largest malls in the region with over 500 shops. Tech companies from across the world the globe will open and will provide opportunities, he said.
“This year we expect 70,000 works to be completed. This is the paradigm shift in the pace of development in J&K over the last three to four years. Road construction nearly doubled to 3200 kilometres against 1500-1600 Km in 2018,” he said.
LG Sinha said that J&K government has started various E- Governance Initiatives. It will be extended in all offices and creation of online census management system
LG Sinha said that recently the J & K administration has made a high-power committee of Agricultural Experts. Over 29 interventions have been proposed by the communities and we have approved those interventions in this year’s budget.
“In the upcoming 5 years, Rs 5013 Cr has been granted to implement those projects and it will boost the milk industry in J&K. It will also boost Apple, walnut, and saffron industry in the region, he said.
The Lt Governor urged the people, PRI representatives and the youth to actively participate in the Gram Sabha meetings, being organized in all Halka Panchayats of Jammu Kashmir on 10th April to prepare a development plan for the Gram Panchayats, he added.
The Lt Governor said that the construction of the 2.5 km long road from Sana Village to Sanasar will be approved in two months.
On the issue of playground, the Lt Governor said that the tender will be floated soon for developing Playground on the identified 50 kanal land in Ramban. He further assured that the sports infrastructure will be developed on Railway ground for the youth.
Dr. Shamshad Shan, Chairperson District Development Council Ramban, expressed gratitude to the Lt Governor-led UT administration for developing the tourism sector of Ramban.
Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Administrative Secretary, Tourism Department; Sh Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Department of Floriculture, Parks and Gardens; Sh. Mussarat Islam, DC Ramban, besides senior officers of UT administration and tourists in large numbers were present.
