Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 8: Today, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo convened a meeting with the Tourism Department to review the progress of projects initiated under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme in J&K. The meeting also focused on the facilities being prepared at Shiv Khori Shrine in anticipation of the Mahashivratri festival.
Attendees included the Principal Secretary of Finance, Commissioner Secretary of Tourism, Commissioner Secretary of Culture, Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, Secretary of PWD, Secretary of H&ME, Secretary of Transport, MD of JPDCL, DC of Reasi, Directors of Tourism for Kashmir and Jammu, and the MD of Cable Car Corporation, among other relevant officials.
The Chief Secretary acknowledged the advancements made on various projects at religious sites under the PRASHAD scheme and inquired about the projects submitted to the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, aimed at enhancing infrastructure at other significant religious and cultural locations throughout the UT.
He emphasized the importance of executing projects promptly to facilitate visitors and urged for the early submission of plans for additional eligible sites for comprehensive development.
He encouraged the Tourism, Culture, and Public Works Departments to pinpoint and proceed with tasks that honor their religious and cultural importance, ensuring their completion while maintaining aesthetic appeal and local artistry.
The Chief Secretary also requested the identification of further sites across both Jammu and Kashmir divisions based on tourist footfall. He advocated for the formulation of comprehensive plans in accordance with the established format, ensuring modern development standards.
During her presentation, Commissioner Secretary Tourism, Yasha Mudgal, informed the attendees of the ongoing projects for the development of Utterbehni, Purmandal, and Katra. She disclosed that Katra’s plan includes an investment of Rs 44.52 crore, with key components such as multilevel car parking, facade enhancements at Fawara Chowk, the creation of walkways to Darshan Deodi, public toilet construction, and various illumination and beautification initiatives.
For Utterbehni and Purmandal, the planned developments include a steel suspension footbridge, 3D mural paintings, extensive landscaping, a multi-facility complex at Purmandal, riverfront development, facade lighting, sewage treatment, along with protection and beautification works.
Further projects submitted for Government of India approval include the development of Ganga Ghat at River Choti Ganga near Thanda Pani Bridge, and the construction of a pilgrim circuit in district Udhampur, estimated at Rs 13.47 crore.
Additional proposals include the enhancement of Hari Parbat Fort, Kheer Bhawani Temple, Baba Shukr-ud-din Shrine at Watlab (Sopore), Baba Lal Sahib Shrine in Kupwara, a religious circuit in district Poonch, and the development of Kailash Kund and other shrines in Bhaderwah township.
In relation to the Shiv Khori Cave Shrine’s development, the Chief Secretary instructed that all necessary provisions be made for a seamless celebration of the upcoming Mahashivratri Festival, scheduled from February 25-27 here.
