In a press release issued here today, Bharatiya Janata Party has accused National Conference Presidentand MP Dr Farooq Abdullah for resorting to “theatre politics” and shedding crocodile tears about development of local tourism around Jammu in the area of Surinsar Lake. Accompanied by many local leaders of NC including the provincial president Jammu, Dr Farooq visited Surinsar and made a fervent appeal to the LG to develop the area as a tourist destination to boost the local economy and tourism in the Jammu region. “One among the many outcomes of his stint out of power is his new found love for the Dogra heritage and tourism potential of the Jammu region. While in power he and his party took every step possible to destroy the rich Dogra heritage and neglect the tourism potential of Jammu lest it threatened the Kashmiri monopoly,” rued Brig Veteran Anil Gupta, Spokesperson of the party. Though it is too late now.
But in doing so, Dr Farooq has exposed his ignorance of the multifarious development projects launched by Modi government for promotion and rejuvenation of local heritage and tourism potential of the area. Curiously enough none of his local leaders also deemed it fit to brief him about the Mansar Rejuvenation Project 2020 whose e- foundation was laid on November 1 last year jointly by Dr Jitendra Singh Union Minister in PMO and LG Manoj Sinha. The project envisages holistic development of the twin lakes of Mansar-Surinsar and the intervening area into a multi-purpose tourist destination stated Brig Gupta.
To ensure that the project does not become the victim of financial crunch or uncertain fund support the complete project is centrally funded with an outlay of 198.37 crore. It’s a comprehensive project which apart from promoting tourism and development of a week-end picnic spot for the locals also has ecological and religious importance. It also aims at preservation and promotion of the rich Dogra heritage by renovating the local “haveli” as well as the historic temples in the area.
While the twin-lake areas are being developed into tourist spots with recreation parks, fountains, eateries, gift galleries, picnic spots, boating and adequate reception and parking facilities, the intervening area will be developed as a reserve forest. Water sports facilities and trekking will be introduced for adventure lovers while the bird-lovers would be provided with viewing areas for birdwatching informed Brig Gupta. The entire area would be developed into a true multi-purpose destination catering not only for the local tourists of all ages but would also attract domestic tourists, NRIs and foreign tourists. It would also give a major boost to the promotion of rich Dogra heritage and culture through introduction of local cuisine. Well connected with a good road network and served by the Delhi-Katra Expressway, the area is destined to emerge as a major tourist attraction of Jammu stated Brig Gupta.
“Dr Farooq and local NC leadership should explain to the people of Jammu the reason for their deliberate neglect of the region and it’s subject to the worst form of regional discrimination rather than simply shedding the crocodile tears. The irreparable damage caused to the rich Dogra heritage and unpardonable hurt caused to the Dogra pride over past seven decades cannot be washed away by resorting to theatre politics”, asserted Brig Gupta.
The good days for the neglected regions of the UT have arrived with Modi’s assurance of SabkaSaath, SabkaVikas, SabkaVishwas, summed up the press release.