Govt to develop, publicise tourism hotspots in Jammu to attract Vaishno Devi pilgrims: Omar Abdullah

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that the government will develop and publicise tourism hotspots to attract Vaishno Devi pilgrims to Jammu and nearby locations.

"No doubt, the publicity of tourism destinations in Jammu was not made the way it should be, but we are preparing a roadmap to attract more tourists to these places," Abdullah, who holds the portfolio of tourism, replied to a question raised by BJP MLA Yudhvir Sethi in the House.

The Chief Minister said, "Members in Jammu are scared that with the train to Kashmir, the ring road becoming fully operational, and the under-construction Delhi-Katra Expressway, the Jammu city will get bypassed," adding, "We have to shape prominent tourist destinations. We are failing to divert the Vaishno Devi pilgrims towards tourism spots, and I feel that if we succeed in diverting 10 to 15 percent of the pilgrims, it will surely boost our tourism sector."

"We will see how the pilgrimage tourism itinerary can be chalked out for the visitors; focus will be laid on publicising and promoting tourism destinations in trade fairs across the country," said Abdullah, adding that heritage tourism is also being focused on to boost tourism in Jammu.

However, in a written reply to the question raised by MLA Yudhvir Sethi, Will the government state whether it proposes to develop Jammu City for attracting more tourists, if so, the steps contemplated in this behalf, the Minister In-charge Tourism (Chief Minister) replied, "The Department of tourism has been actively involved in the development of tourism infrastructure in Jammu city for attracting more tourists and has executed several projects under the State Capex Budget and Swadesh Darshan Scheme."

Some of the tourism-related infrastructure created under different schemes in Jammu city are construction of musical water fountains with sound and light show at Bagh-e-Bahu, development of tourist facilities at Bhagwati Nagar, development of tourist facilities at Sidhra Golf Course, construction of amusement park near Sidhra Golf Course, Jammu and Ropeway project from Mohmaya to Bagh-e-Bahu.

Moreover, he replied that Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) has been actively working on multiple initiatives to enhance Jammu's infrastructure and make it more attractive destination for tourists.

"Some major infrastructure projects planned and executed by the JSCL are heritage conservation and beautification, road and transport improvement, Riverfront development, facade lighting of historic buildings and Tawi bridges and light and snow shows," said the Chief Minister in a written reply.