Jammu(India),Ocotobor 11 (Vijay Kumar) – BJP State Spokesperson Ramesh Arora on Sunday condemned the discriminatory attitude of the government,said that even during the period from 1990 to 1996, hardly any tourist visited Kashmir, still in this period about 80 per cent of funds were shown to be spent in Kashmir but Jammu was ignored in all respects.
Talking to reporters in Jammu today, he said that recently a package has been announced by the central government for water bodies preservation in Kashmir but no plan and programme was made with respect to water bodies like Mansar, Surinsar and Tawi river.The Govt. has to answer as to why this discrimination is meted to Jammu region despite repeated assurances of ending discrimination.
Arora said that more than 70 lakh pilgrims visit Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine every year but unfortunately, even Katra town was not developed as model town under tourism.
He alleged that when a package of 1000 crore rupees was announced for the development and rehabilitation of the families living on the banks of Dal Lake but nothing has been assigned /reserved for lakes in Jammu region especially construction of artificial lakes at Tawi river Jammu and Jajjar Kotli. We warn the state government to desist from such discrimination as Jammu is no longer in a mood to tolerate discrimination of years together anymore.
Ramesh Arora demanded that New Tourist circuits should be opened in Bhaderwah and upper reaches of Kathua area. Also, the Chamba- Bhaderwah road should be constructed on the lines of old Moughal road to promote the potential of tourism in this area. Patnitop Development Anthority is functional for many years but there is always paucity of funds for development of area. Sanasar is waiting attention for years together.
Arora said government is spending huge amount on the name of beautification of Jehlum but Tawi river in Jammu is being used as garbage dump. if immediate effective steps are not taken to check the pollution of Tawi river then apart from deteriorating environment there can be chances of ground water being polluted to large extent.
Ramesh Arora demanded that circuits like Chenani, Sudh Maha Dev, Mantalai, Latti-Dhuna, Dudu as also from Ram Nagar to Majori and Banantgarh, similarly circuits like Lakhanpur. Basohli, Bani, Bandnota, Dhaggar, Mechedi, Sukrala Mata and Billawar should be developed.
He questioned why no tourist project in Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Kishtwar and Doda have been taken up. It reflects callous and discriminatory approach. It also exposes the hollow and false claims made by State Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other leaders belonging to ruling parties, including leaders from Jammu. Arora appealed local leaders of Jammu should rise to the occasion and promoting tourism in Jammu region should be taken seriously.