CM for forming Basohli tourism development authority in Kathua

With an aim to tap the tourism and heritage potential of the historic Basohli town, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed today issued directions for setting up a separate tourism development authority for Jammu and Kashmir's southern gateway.
Announcing a new tourism development authority for Basohli in Kathua district, Sayeed said the town needs to be brought on the tourism map of the country.
He also directed the Chief Secretary to speed up procedural processes for setting up the development authority.
The chief minister said he was riveted by the beauty of Ranjit Sagar Dam when he first visited the place earlier this year. "How we missed such a magnificent lake is still a mystery to me," he said.

He also said till Pathankote-Basohli Road project is sanctioned under CRF by the Union Ministry for Road Transport and National Highways, the state government will start double-laning of the road on a fast-track basis.
"I wish to see the hustle and bustle of tourists in Basohli from next year," Sayeed said.

He also indicated that the Tourism Department is making a concept plan for setting up a mega amusement park to promote it as a major tourist destination, catering to neighbouring states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
Assuring promotion of exquisite arts and crafts of Basohli, in particular Basohli paintings, the Chief Minister announced setting up of a skill development institute to expose craftsmen to new trends and design.

"Handicraft is pride of our state that played a key role in resuscitating our economy during testing times," he added.
Addressing the gathering of students and teachers, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh praised Sayeed for his vision in transforming the education sector of the state, which, he said, was reduced to a mere transfer industry by the previous government.
"The patronage that the education segment has received by the present government will continue till we achieve benchmark levels," he said
Singh also praised Sayeed and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for forging an alliance to usher in a new era of all-round development in the state.

Health Minister Lal Singh, who is also MLA from Basohli, thanked the chief minister for launching a new movement in universalization of education from Basohli.
Lal announced setting up of a nursing college at Basohli in the old hospital building so that the vacant posts of female paramedic staff in healthcare sector are filled up.