Udhampur, Oct 16: BJP spokesperson Ranbir Singh Pathania on Monday said Jammu and Kashmir, being a land rich in temples, shrines, and mathhs, possesses immense tourism potential.
Addressing a grievance redressal camp at the BJP district office in Battal Balian, Udhampur, he stressed the need to promote tourism to showcase the local culture and cuisine, providing employment opportunities and uplifting the economic status of the region.
Pathania highlighted specific areas, including Manwal, Mansar, Babey, Thail, Khoon, Jansal, Dhamma, SK Ber & Majalta villages of Tehsil Majalta, and Ramnagar Town, Basantgarh, Dhiran Baryalta, Chowki, Badhole, Sattian, Jofar, Majori, Panchond villages. He underscored the importance of nurturing popular shrines, built during the times of Pandavas, to widen tourism avenues and boost local employment.
The BJP spokesperson called for promiting pilgrimage tourism in revered sites like Sri Pingla Mata, Sri Chountra Mata, Sri Marada Mata, Sukrala Mata, Balasundri Mata, Sri Narsingh Ji temples at Ramnagar, Majalta, Aapshambhu temples of Dalsar and Khoon, and Vasuki Naag temples at Dudu Basantgarh and Kote. He also called for speeding up the provision of basic facilities in the area to enhance the overall tourist experience.
Acknowledging the region’s exquisite climate and beautiful topography, Pathania envisioned it as a model tourist destination en route to Sri Vaishno Mata Temple and Kashmir. He said there is a need for robust infrastructure development, transportation, roads, accommodations, and basic amenities to ensure easy access for pilgrims. Cultural and historical significance of pilgrimage sites should be highlighted through marketing and educational campaigns, he said.
Engaging local communities in tourism activities, promoting cultural exchanges, and fostering a sense of ownership were key points in his strategy. He stressed the importance of sustainable and eco-friendly tourism to preserve the natural beauty of the region.
Pathania also advocated for digital promotion on social media platforms and collaborating with travel agencies, tour operators, and religious organizations to enhance marketing and tourism offerings. He suggested enhancing tourist facilities such as rest areas, pilgrim shelters, information centers, and guides to improve the overall visitor experience.
