Attractive assets of Jammu to increase tourist footfall: Priya Sethi

Asks officials to put workable plan in place for revival of Tawi Front Park

JAMMU, JULY 03: Minister of State for Tourism and Culture, Priya Sethi today asked the officials of Tourism department and Jammu Development Authority to put a workable plan in place to upgrade and revive River Tawi Front Park that was inaugurated and dedicated to people of J&K State by Late Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in December 2015. Once developed and properly maintained this important park which is an attractive asset of Jammu will increase tourist footfall, she added.

During her tour to the River Tawi Front Park this morning, the minister found it in dilapidated condition and also issued on spot directions to the officials to cancel contract of private firm which has failed to upkeep the glory of Rs 5.50 Crore park developed in about 25 Kanals of reclaimed land that was transferred by I&FC Department to Tourism Department. Director Tourism Smita Sethi,Director Floriculture Babila Rakwal, Vice Chairman JDA Rajesh Sharvan and  other officials  also accompanied the minister

Priya Sethi said that this park is of utmost importance and an attractive asset of Jammu City that can increase tourism footfall and also cater to local population especially children and walkers. ‘Keeping in view the sentiments of people of Jammu and their apprehension that direct trains to Katra might hamper their business activities, the government intends to develop more such sites to attract tourists and make them stay put in town for some more time. This will not only add to economy but also keep the city live’, he asserted.

After going around the park, the minister of state for tourism observed that swings installed for children were damaged, park ill maintained and walkway dilapidated. She asked the tourism officials to prepare a workable plan wherein small kiosks for eatables will be constructed for encouraging footfall of visitors, swings repaired and park developed on most modern lines. She also directed the officials to reflect some more attractive infrastructural features to the park to make people visit the site in large numbers.

“The government is also working to preserve rich heritage sites, historic temples and monuments in Jammu which have their own significance. “By developing this park we will be adding new areas of attraction to the existing infrastructure to make the stay of visitors in Jammu memorable. Work on Mubarak Mandi Complex is going on at fast pace, and once this heritage treasure that has a huge potential to attract art lovers both from within and outside the country is restored we will be able to make a mark and create history”, the minister of state for tourism added.

This River Tawi Front Park she asserted should be developed in such a way that it comes in the itinerary of tourists who will visit  Jammu Ropeway, Ranjit Sagar and Baghliar Dams, Sanasar, Mansar, Golf Course, Bahu Fort, Suchetgarh,  Akhnoor besides other religious places of worship in and around town. The idea is to make Jammu a leisure, tourism and religious place to attract more number of visitors from our neighbouring states.

Jammu being City of Temples has immense potential and both state as well central government is finding such projects of importance liberally. As such the official must expedite work on identified projects and complete them within stipulated timeframe.