Jammu, Nov 20: Minister for Tourism and Culture,   Nawang Rigzin Jora has said that the Government is contemplating to bring the “Arnas” valley of district Reasi on tourism map for exploring its varied potential. He said Rs 7.22 crore would be spent on the development of scenic and adventure spots, besides creation of infrastructure for visiting tourists once the State Government would receive accord sanction from the Union Government.
This, according to an official statement, was stated by  Jora while addressing a largely attended public gathering today at village Gari, about 140 kms from here.
Minister of State for Power, Forest and CA&PD and Minister for Haj, Aquaf, Higher Education and Fisheries,   Aijaz Ahmad Khan also addressed the gathering.
 Jora said that the Government is fully aware about the development needs of the people and is working vigorously to fulfill their aspirations. He said a multipronged strategy has been evolved for the fast development of the State. He said people have high hopes with the Government and assured that it will strive for assuaging their urges and aspirations.
Addressing on the occasion,   Shabir Ahmad Khan said that extending electricity facilities to left-over hilly areas is the priority of the Government. He said a receiving station has been sanctioned for Arnas, which will help in streamlining the facilities in the area. He said all the dilapidated poles and old wire would also be replaced in a phased manner in the area.
The Minister said that every facility would be provided including availability of food-grains well in time through sale outlets and instructed CA&PD authorities to make it sure that every householder gets its ration quota every month.
  Aijaz Ahmad Khan said that people of the State, especially those living in hilly and border areas, have suffered a lot during turmoil. He said the Government is working tirelessly to ensure all round development of the State. He said development of mountainous and remote areas like Arnas is the top priority of the Government, adding that a massive developmental programme has been initiated in these areas.
  Aijaz, who is also MLA of Arnas constituency said it is a matter of satisfaction for the people of Gari and other surrounding villages that for the first time a vehicle plied on the newly constructed Gari-Jag Bogli road. The road had been taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore. He said execution of Arnas-Dhanoor and Gaundi-Panosa and salal-Sujandhar roads are also being taken up at a total cost of Rs 21 crore. He said 17 water shed development projects have been sanctioned for the constituency under Haryali programme to uplift the socio-economic condition of the people.
The Minister said extension of quality education, healthcare and potable drinking water are also priority of the Government. He said several new projects for the area are in pipeline. He assured the people that being their representatives in the Government, he will not leave any stone unturned for overall development of the area. He sought peoples cooperation in this regard.
On this occasion, the people of the area also celebrated birth anniversary of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and paid floral tributes on the portrait of the late leader.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 IST