Kathua: Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh Saturday said the promotion of pilgrim tourism is being paid focused attention by way of creating better infrastructure and connectivity to the potential areas.
“The J&K state has many religious places of historic importance which can be projected for attracting pilgrim tourists and the government is making concerted efforts in this regard” Dr Nirmal Singh said after paying obeisance on the occasion of annual festival at Nag Mandir Sanayal, Dinga Amb here at Billawar.
The annual fair, held on the eve of Nag Panchami at the historical temple, witnesses huge rush of devotees from all walks of life.
Extending greetings to people, the Dy CM announced Rs 10 lakh from his CDF for the construction of community hall at Sanayal and said another Rs 10 lakh will be provided under convergence mode for developing other facilities for the visitors.
Speaking about various other tourist places in the area having religious significance, the Dy CM said with travel motivations rooted deeply in socio-cultural aesthetics it is big time that Billawar be brought under religious tourism circuit. He further added that with increased accessibility and improved infrastructure a complete transformation would be witnessed in proliferating religious tourism. “The development and projection of tourist spots and religious places will not only improve socio-economic status of the local people but also foster communal harmony and lead to a cleaner social environment” he added.
During the religious congregation several delegations apprised the Dy CM about the demands of their respective areas which mainly related to improvement of water supply, up grading of roads and augmentation of power infrastructure.
Dr Nirmal Singh issued on spot directions to the concerned officers to resolve all the issues on priority.
Divisional level officers, prominent citizens, villagers in large numbers and social activist Mamta Singh were present on the occasion.
