Jammu, June 17:The guideline of J&K Development Act of 1970 has been asked to revised the Master Plans after every 05 years or early as per the need but Master Plan of Patnitop Development Authority was notified in the year 2000 & now 25 years have passed but despite spending Lakhs of rupees to a company for framing revised Master Plan still that is hanging in fire.
However, Vikas Gupta, Director Tourism Jammu, conducted a detailed inspection of key tourism infrastructure projects in Basohli, with a special focus on the upcoming aquatic and recreational facilities at Ranjit Sagar Lake.
Accompanied by Aijaz Qaiser, Joint Director Tourism Jammu and CEO BBDA; Babu Ram Tandon, CEO BDDA Atul Gupta; and the Tourist Officer, Samba-Kathua, the Director reviewed the progress of developmental works aimed at strengthening the tourism potential of the region.
During the visit, a comprehensive inspection of water sports activities at Ranjit Sagar Lake was carried out, along with a review of the upcoming floating jetty, which is poised to significantly augment aquatic tourism in the area.
The Director emphasized that the development of water-based recreational facilities will play a pivotal role in attracting tourists to this picturesque destination.
As part of the visit, he also interacted with key stakeholders in the tourism sector and public representatives to seek their feedback and suggestions, ensuring that the developmental initiatives align with local aspirations and contribute to the holistic growth of tourism in the region.
Later, he inspected other ongoing developmental projects of the Directorate of Tourism and Bani-Basohli Development Authority (BBDA), including the construction of guest houses, cafeterias, and parks. On-the-spot instructions were issued to the Executive Engineer, PWD Basohli, to complete the ongoing works in a time-bound manner.
The Executive Engineer assured that the works will be completed within a month.Jammu food guide Directions were also given to the CEO, Bani-Basohli Development Authority, to initiate the tendering process for outsourcing of all completed works in coordination with the Directorate of Tourism to ensure timely operationalization of the facilities.
Recognizing the importance of community participation in tourism growth, Vikas Gupta also visited a homestay near Purthu Beach and appreciated the role of homestay operators in promoting sustainable and rural tourism in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Tourism reiterated the department’s commitment to strengthening tourism infrastructure in the region and promoting offbeat destinations like Ranjit Sagar Lake, Purthu Beach, GI-tagged Basohli Pashmina, and Basohli paintings. He stressed that timely completion of ongoing projects would not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute to the long-term economic upliftment of the local communities.
He also added that the Department of Tourism will actively promote tourist destination Basohli through various publicity campaigns and by organizing fairs/ festivals in collaboration with the Bani-Basohli Development Authority and the District Administration.
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