Promotion of heritage tourism J-K govt's prime concern: Bhalla

Jammu and Kashmir government today said that promotion of heritage tourism in the state is its prime concern and it is making efforts to restore the pristine glory of all the historical sites.
The government has identified 29 historical sites of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions for preservation and conservation and for this purpose, stress is being laid on restoration of all heritage sites of the state to their original form by adopting scientific methods and involvement of highly skilled and expert manpower, state Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture Raman Bhalla said today.
"Promotion of heritage tourism in the state is government's prime concern and government is making efforts to restore the pristine glory of all the historical sites", he said at a function organised by Jammu Heritage Society (JHS) to celebrate completion of three years of its services for the cause of heritage, culture and art.

Bhalla said that the detailed project report for their renovation has been prepared by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and submitted to central government for funding.
Responding to demand of JHS for restoration of Bahu Fort's damaged wall, the Minister said instructions have been issued to Jammu Development Authority to immediately start the project so that further damage could be stopped.
Regarding the demand for illumination of the Fort, Bhalla said government has released Rs 80 lakh for illumination of Maha Kali temple and repair of fountain within the premises of Bawe-wali Mata.

Every year about 1.25 crore pilgrims and tourists visit the state to pay obeisance in Mata Vashino Devi ji, Shri Budha Amarnathji, Shri Amarnathji and also in other shrines of the state who also pay obeisance at Bawe-Wali Mata, Bhalla said.

He said that all the three regions are receiving equal attention and several major development initiatives were taken.
There are also some projects in pipeline for development of tourism in Jammu division, including several tourism centres, golf courses, cable car projects, Mubarak Mandi, culture heritage centre, border tourism, development of lakes including artificial lake on Tawi river, face-lifting of Bahu Fort and many more, Bhalla said.