Srinagar, Sep 23: The Government endeavors to show case vast tourism potential of Poonch along Mughal Road in and outside the country, said Tourism and Culture Minister   Nawang Rigzin Jora while chairing Poonch Development Authority (PDA) Members meet here today.
 “Development of tourism circuit along Mughal Road- Poonch is  under active consideration of the government, for the purpose a project report of Rs. 8 crore have been prioritized for Centre funding to create necessary tourist infrastructure in the area,” Jora said.
 The Minister said heritage Moti Mahal Poonch would be converted into Museum, for which he directed concerned authorities to initiate necessary process, an official statement said.
 Legislators,  Aijaz Jan, Sardar Rafeeq Hussain Khan, Commissioner/Secretary Tourism and Culture   Atul Duloo, Special Secretary Tourism   Altaf Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer PDA,   Aijaz Hussain Banday among others participated in the meeting Jora said the varied tourism potential of Poonch area is being taped. “Creation and upgradation of necessary tourist infrastructure facilities are underway. New scenic spots like Pushana, Doogron, Chadinarh, Sailan, Bhuriekhat, Buffliaz, Mandi Phegla, Mandi Laran and Bhimber Gali, would be brought under the jurisdiction PDA for their development.” He said.
 The Minister said a lake circuit is being also developed in the area for tourist attraction, adding that matter for providing road connectivity at these lakes would be taken with concerned authorities.
 The Minister said due to increase in trade facilities across the LOC from Poonch an interpretation centre would be created for visiting families and traders of both sides, besides polo game would be also introduced in Poonch, for the purpose expert polo riders of Leh would be engaged to train locals.
 Jora said promotion of heritage tourism in the area also receives focused attention of the government. “The Centre has already approved state governments project for conservation and restoration of Poonch fort and has released Rs. 3.79 crore, after completion of codal formalities the conservation of the fort would be taken up”, he said and added the conservation and restoration work of other heritage monuments of the area would be also taken up either by Archeological department or PDA in a phased manner.
 The Minister exhorted upon the concerned to ensure timely completion of projects with quality and aesthetic look for convenience of visiting tourists.
 The Meeting approved current fiscal action plan of Rs. 1.50 crore of PDA under State Plan and took some important decisions for holistic promotion of tourism in the area.
 Chief Executive Officer, gave a power point presentation of physical and financial achievements registered by the authority so far tourism boom in Poonch district.
 It was informed that construction work of TRC’s Poonch, Surankote, way side amenities at Taki Sharief Bandichachan, cafeteria at Chackan-Da-Bagh, Behramgali has been completed at the total cost of Rs. 5. 48 crore while as the construction work on TRC Surankote, cafeteria at Kaller and Peer ki Gali are apace at an estimated cost of Rs. 3.25 crore and would be completed in stipulated time frame.
 MLA’s Ajaz Jan and Sardar Rafeeq Hussain Khan while highlighting the vast tourism potential of the area, stressed for its full exploitation which they said will help to boost the economy of the area.
 The members appreciated the efforts of tourism minister which has taken till now for harnessing the varied tourism potential of Poonch area. 

Lastupdate on : Fri, 23 Sep 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 23 Sep 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 24 Sep 2011 00:00:00 IST