Advisors Sharma, Skandan review up-gradation plan for Bahu Fort, Bagh-e-Bahu area in Jammu

Jammu: Advisors to Governor K K Sharma and K. Skandan Saturday convened a meeting to review the developmental plan, actions for up-gradation of existing infra, allied facilities at Bahu Fort and Bagh-e-Bahu Jammu here Saturday.
Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department Dheeraj Gupta, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Sanjeev Verma, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, Director Floriculture Babila Rakwal, Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation Pankaj Magotra, Vice Chairman, Jammu Development Authority Vikas Sharma, Chief Engineer Public Works (R&B) Department Nasir Goni, Joint Director Tourism Jammu, Showkat Mehmood, Secretary JDA, Rakesh Kumar, Senior Town Planner, Senior Architect, Superintending Engineer of JDA besides other senior officers of concerned departments were present in the meeting.
During the meeting, it was informed that several developmental actions have been lined up for all major tourist spots in Bahu fort area including Fish Aquarium, Maa Kali Temple complex, Bagh-e-Bahu Park, Cable Car Project and Mahamaya temple.
For the Bagh-e-Bahu Park, which witnessed a footfall of more than six lakh people during 2018-19 with a revenue generation of Rs 1.4 crore during this period. The meeting was informed that Rs 6.31 crore has been sanctioned for up-gradation of the garden and work for the same is going on. During this phase, projects that will be undertaken include Establishment of Vertical Garden, Re-modelling of entrance gate and path, Improved Landscaping, Up-gradation of existing fountains, 5D Theatre and Shelter Sheds. The remaining undeveloped portion of the park which stands at 35 kanal will also be focused during this project with initiatives like Kids zone (Fun plaza, Play equipments, Inflatable Jumpers, Sand pit, Splash Pool), Amphitheatre, Artisan Haat, Graffiti Wall, Joggers track, Open Air Gym, Illumination System having been proposed for the area.
For up-gradation of the Maa Kali temple complex, it was informed that DGPS map of land around Bawe Wali Mata temple has been prepared and Khasra numbers of adjoining road leading to temple been identified. The developmental measures for the complex include installation of Idol of lion and goat drinking water together, fountain, benches, meditation huts, among others. Further, makeover of entry gate near Police Post Bahu, remodelling of triangular road junction near PP Bahu, landscape around banks of Ravi Tawi Canal, beautification of side walls adjoining road will also be taken up as part of the project.
The Advisors observed that there should be a separate monitoring body for the development of Bahu area’s tourism avenues including Bahu Fort, Bagh –e- Bahu, others and asked the JDA authority to work out the modalities and prepare a proposal for the same. The Advisors also directed PWD for widening of road from Bahu Fort to NH1A bye pass for the convenience of the visitors. Tourism department was directed to gear up men and machinery to support the concerned departments in this project. They were also directed to set up a musical fountain with light, sound and laser show.
Advisors also asked for exploring the possibility of developing an amusement cum Water Park in Jammu area and prepare a proposal for the same. He said creation of such a structure would not only provide a recreational outlet for the people of Jammu but also people of neighbouring states, leading to additional revenue generation for the state.
Later, the Advisor K K Sharma along with Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department Dheeraj Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, VC JDA Vikas Sharma, Chief Engineer PWD and other officers visited at Bagh-e-Bahu Park, Bahu Fort and Fish Aquarium and took stock of the facilities available there.
During his visit to Bagh-e-Bahu, the Advisor directed the concerned officers to work with utmost dedication to ensure that the new up-gradation plan is executed properly and ensure that visitors and pilgrims are provided with high-end facilities during their visit to the area.
The Advisor went around each and every area of the park and instructed the concerned for further improvements wherever required.
While touring the Bahu fort complex, the Advisor directed for rigorous preservation and conservation efforts to be undertaken to safeguard this heritage monument. He asked for experts to be brought in, wherever required, to ensure that best effort is made for preserving this fort.
Taking stock of existing infrastructure available for visitors at Fish Aquarium, the Advisor directed for renewed publicity efforts to attract the visitors to the Aquarium. He also asked for exploring the possibility to increase the scope of the aquarium and its activities to make it a learning spot for children.
The Advisor also visited the prestigious Jammu Ropeway Project at Bahu during his visit. He was informed that the project has been completed and is due to be inaugurated next week. He directed for conservation efforts at Mahamaya hill to replenish the tree cover and undertake extensive plantation drives in the area.