Governor for Restoration of Bhimgarh Fort as a
Tourist Destination

Jammu, March 25 – Modalities were discussed for the urgent renovation and preservation of historic Bhimgarh Fort at Reasi and development as a tourist destination, at a high level meeting held under the Chairmanship of the Governor, Mr. N. N. Vohra, here today.

Addressing the meeting, the Governor emphasized the need for taking a holistic view for the time-bound restoration of the Bhimgarh Fort, adding that the project should gel with the broader framework of promotion of tourist circuits, such as the Katra-Reasi-Shiv Khori circuit, and also linking Bhimgarh Fort with tourism facilities at Salal, Aghar Jitto and Dera Baba Banda. He said that the Fort should be restored from the architectural point of view to restore its grandeur as a monumental example of the rich Dogra heritage. The Governor said that the facilities to be created in the complex should be conceived in harmony with the over all aesthetics of the area.

Several other suggestions were made in the meeting such as holding of light and sound programmes, setting up of an open air theatre, developing parks and utilizing the place for promoting local cultural activities.

The Governor asked the INTACH for preparing a comprehensive plan for restoration of the Fort complex and called upon the Tourism Department to work on the development of related facilities and the required logistical support. It was decided in the meeting that the entire effort will be multi-agency and multi-dimensional under the over all aegis of the State Government Tourism Department, for its timely execution and monitoring.

The Governor said that efforts should be made to divert pilgrims visiting the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, and halting at Katra, to the Fort Complex. Also, school children and locals could visit the spot, once the added attractions are put in place, which would also provide a significant impetus to the economy of the area.

The Governor, who is also the Chairman, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, said that the Board stands committed to providing an amount of Rs. 25 lakhs for the implementation of the project for restoration of the Fort. However, he emphasized that the renovation work should be carried out as a part of the comprehensive Master Plan for the development of the entire area around the Fort complex.

Among those who participated in the meeting included Principal Secretary to Governor and Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, Mr. B. B. Vyas, Secretary Tourism, Ms. Tanvir Jehan, District Development Commissioner, Reasi, Mr. Sanjeev Verma, Additional Commissioner, Jammu, Mrs. Sunita Sharma, Director Tourism, Jammu, Mr. S. M. Sahni, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, Mr. Varinder Slathia, Convener, INTACH, Jammu & Kashmir Chapter, Mr. Salim Beg and other senior officers.

Jammu & Kashmir Ideal for Golf Tourism: International Expert
Minister says Govt open for private investment to develop the sector

Jammu, March 25 – Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Nawang Rigizn Jora has said that the Government contemplates to issue a Vision Document for exploring the tourism potential on various levels in the State. He said under the document, the suggestions and recommendations of internationally-reputed companies would be given due consideration.

The Minister said this at a meeting held with Chairman, Golf Plan Association, United States, Mr. Ronald W. Fream and Chairman, Kashif Associates and Company, New Delhi, Mr. Kashif Ahmad here today. Secretary, Tourism, Mrs. Tanveer Jehan and Director, Tourism, Kashmir, Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah were also present on the occasion.

While apprising the Minister, Mr. Fream said that Jammu and Kashmir has vast potential in tourism sector and offered his services for the development of golf and other-related infrastructure in the State. Stating that J&K is naturally blessed with great landscape which are ideal for laying golf courses, Mr. Fream, said the State Government needs to lay more such courses at various places, besides upgrading existing ones to attract near about 60 million golfers across the globe.

Extending support to the development of golf tourism in the State, Mr. Fream told the Minister that his Association will use its network spread over 65 countries to project J&K as a top notch golf state, adding that even places like Leh can become world’s highest laid golf course, attracting international tee offs. He also said the South East Asian models of golf circuits can be extended to J&K so that the sport becomes an all-round affair.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that India is an emerging State in golf and international players like Jeev Milkha Singh and Arjun Atwal have set the trend in the sport in light of their recent performances across various PGA tours. He said the Government was committed to promoting golf in a big way in the State, adding that it is open to all sorts of public private partnerships.

Referring to the possibility of setting up an international standard gold course at Leh, the Minister invited Mr. Fream for carrying out a recci of the area in this regard.

A powerpoint presentation was also jointly presented by Mr. Fream and Mr. Kashif on the activities of their association for the development of golf and other tourism infrastructure at international level.

Mr. Fream, along with a team of officers of Tourism Department, will also visit Srinagar and other tourist spots in Kashmir Valley to take a firsthand assessment of developing golf course infrastructure at par with international standards.