The Jammu and Kashmir tourism department has been asked tocome up with a complete detailed project report (DPR) for development ofSuchetgarh along the International Border here on the pattern of the Wagahborder in Punjab.
The directive was passed by K K Sharma, advisor to GovernorSatya Pal Malik, at a high level meeting during a visit to the sector,officials said on Sunday.
They said Sharma discussed development of border tourism atSuchetgarh on the pattern of Wagah border and also asked officers to completethe ongoing projects aimed at promotion of tourism in the sector.
Senior officers of the Border Security Force (BSF) and linedepartments attended the meeting which sought details of tourism and otherdevelopment works being carried out for the benefit of the people living alongthe IB, officials said.
They said several projects like construction ofmulti-purpose hall with souvenir shops and cafeteria, security cabins, toiletsand changing rooms, besides rain water harvesting, filtration and overheadwater reservoir have been completed.
Work on restoration of pre-partition railway platform –frontier express cum museum and gallantry gallery, tourist vehicle parkingspace, internal pathways and landscaping and plantation with solar irrigationsystem projects are under progress, the officials said.
Officers informed the Advisor that solid waste managementand eco awareness information signage projects will be started soon.
The other works proposed by the tourism department topromote border tourism are provision of fish pond and plantation of shade treesfor tourists.
They said the meeting point on the International border willbe improved by granite laying and other allied works while statues of JambuLochan and Maharaja Gulab Singh would be developed to highlight the Dogralegacy.
Musical fountain with sound and light show, illumination ofcorridor beyond gate, covering of entire premises by chain-link fencing,upgrading of main gates to convert into Gate Plaza, construction of souvenirshops on both sides of corridor beyond gate and up to meeting point andexisting view point are other works proposed at the site, the officials said.