Jammu, June 4: Saying that three regions of the Jammu & Kashmir state had diverse attractions for the tourists, thronging from all parts of the world, Minister for Tourism,   Nawang Rigzin Jora, reiterated that the Coalition Government would accord equal and appropriate opportunity for this vital sector to flourish.
Interacting with a high level delegation comprising Raghunath Heritage Society, Raghunath Mandir Dharmarth Trust, Jammu Restaurant Association and other organizations of the bazaar here today, the Minister said that the three distinct regions have enough to mesmerize the nature lovers, adventure tourists and those having interest in various sports like Golfs and other aquatic sports and therefore the Government would not shark its responsibility in promoting each sector.
Minister of State for Tourism   Nasir Aslam Wani, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Dr Pawan Kotwal, Commissioner/Secretary, Tourism,   Atal Dulloo, Director Tourism,   Sahni, concerned HoDs of various departments and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.
  Jora referred to the measures being taken up for developing this historical bazaar as heritage market keeping in view its historical and cultural perspective, and said, that the assets thus created in this regard would be maintained and looked after by the respective executing agencies of the government. He, however, exhorted the trading community to cooperate in this regard as it will be a monumental effort to showcase the rich ethos of the ancient market place.
Feeling nostalgic about the Dhaba scenario of the market during yester years, the Minister expressed concern over decline in their numbers and solicited the cooperation of the market managers in reviving this rich culture. He agreed with the views expressed by the delegation about Dhabas being synonymous with the Raghunath Market and said this will also be a source of attraction for the visiting tourists.
Terming the ambitious Cable Car Project, aimed at connecting twin heritage sites of ancient Dogra Heritage Complex, Mubarak Mandi and Royal Bahu Fort, as one of the significant steps of the Coalition Government in boosting the tourism industry of the state, the Minister said that it is expected to be started in August. He said that under 13th Finance Commission, Rs. 50 crore will be expended on beautification and development of this Dogra Heritage site which will add to the efforts of the Government in preserving the decaying heritage buildings of the state.
  Jora and   Aslam Wani appreciated the suggestions putforth by the delegation and assured that the Government would not leave any stone unturned in giving a big fillip to the tourism industry of the state.
With a view to further accelerate the tourism development in the state, the Ministers asked the concerned agencies to formulate a comprehensive project for further development of Raghunath Bazar and submit the same to the Centre for funding. He was optimistic about the support from the Centre with same spirit as the state is getting so far.
The other significant issues deliberated upon in the meeting included replacement of conductors by aerial cable bunching, separate electricity feeder, arrangement of emergency lights like solar lights to tide over the dark hours development of Ashoka market, new market and other markets of the bazaar dissemination of necessary information to the tourists regarding the spots and facilities available through information counters etc.
The Minister asked PDD to expand the power network in the bazaar keeping in view the needs of the markets for next 10 years. 
Earlier at an officers meeting, the Minister approved the architectural design for the proposed club building to be constructed at Golf Course, Sidhra after enquiring about the logistic and technical feasibility of various conceptual plans displayed during the meeting. He asked the concerned agencies to adopt a realistic approach while constructing the building to ensure it to be of international standards keeping in view the vast potential of this most famous game in the state.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 4 Jun 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 4 Jun 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 5 Jun 2010 00:00:00 IST