New projects to make Jammu centre of attraction: Mufti Mohammad Sayeed

JAMMU: Dismissing that Jammu could lose focus after direct rail connectivity to Katra, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed assured that an appropriate strategy has been devised to create attractive assets in and around the winter capital to sustain tourist footfall.

He described Jammu as a repository of rich heritage reflected in its historic temples and monuments.

"Jammu has its own significance. We will create new areas of attraction to make the stay of the visitors in Jammu memorable," he said.

The Chief Minister made these remarks after inaugurating the River Tawi Front Park, here today.

Elaborating upon various measures afoot to position Jammu as a leisure and heritage destination, Mufti Sayeed referred to Mubarak Mandi Complex, which previously housed the State Legislature, as a heritage treasure that has a huge potential to attract art lovers both from within and outside the country.

He said the work on the execution of Jammu ropeway shall be expedited, which will also come as a shot in the arm for Jammu tourism.

He also highlighted several other measures taken to diversify tourism-related activities in Jammu region at places such as Ranjit Sagar and Baghliar Dams, Sanasar, Marwah, Warwan, Bhaderwah and Jai.

The Chief Minister, in his meeting with Union Tourism Minister yesterday, had raised the issue of fast-tracking the work on conservation of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex.

The Ministry has assured that a Central team will visit the winter capital soon to assess the progress of work on the project.

Emphasizing upon development of more parks alongside River Tawi front in the city, the Chief Minister said Jammu tourism will receive fillip once the artificial lake project will be completed.

"Jammu is the city of temples and government will leave no stone unturned to project it as an independent destination," he said.