Jammu: Saying that Jammu had an abundant potential for pilgrim tourism, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devender Rana Monday called for harnessing these in a big way for giving a fillip to the regional economy.
“Pilgrim tourism has sustained the economy of J&K in general and this region in particular during most difficult times post nineties and promoting these destinations by ensuring world-class infrastructural facilities will prove a catalyst for economic transformation in this part of the country,” a statement of BJP quoted Rana as saying while interacting with the devotees after paying obeisance at the shrine of Bawa Ballo Ji Maharaj at Mathwar in Nagrota.
He called for expediting the work on the New Pilgrim Tourist Circuit from Utterbeni-Purmandal-Surinsar-Deon-Tada-Dansal-Domel to the footfall of Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, saying that this would give a boost to pilgrim tourism and open up vistas of opportunities for the locals.
Rana also sought the revival of the ancient heritage route to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine passing through ancient temples and worship places spread across Nagrota, originating from historic Kole Kandoli Temple.
Elaborating on the need for a proactive approach in the execution of various projects related to pilgrim sites, Rana referred to the project report prepared by the Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) for the development of the ancient route of the revered shrine, saying this link, passing through serene environs and spiritual ambience, offers spiritual solace and Darshan of several revered temples which used to be a prerequisite before embarking on the yatra to holy Bhawan on Trikuta Hills over seven decades ago.