Srinagar, November 1: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, in presence of Minister of State in the PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh on Sunday inaugurated the prestigious “Comprehensive Mansar Rejuvenation/Development Plan” worth Rs.198.37 crores through virtual mode, saying that the project which aims at increasing tourists’ influx will facilitate the socio-economic development of the area and open more avenues for holistic development of the areas, as also generate more employment opportunities for locals.
With numerous heritage sites, world- class infrastructure and promotion of adventure sports, the UT government is working on a strategic plan for growth and development of tourism section in Jammu and Kashmir, Lt Governor said. “We are also expanding the Skill Development Programme for hospitality industry so that tourists have a positive experience of travelling and enjoying the hospitality of our Union Territory,’’ he added.
Jammu and Kashmir has abundant wealth in terms of water bodies and the government is working rigorously for their conservation and preservation by taking comprehensive measures for restoring their ecosystem, he said.
Pointing out that Mansar and Surinsar are the most sought after tourist destinations visited by the tourists in Jammu, he said, adding that these are in the close vicinity from Katra where more than one crore pilgrims visit every year for pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Trikuta Hills. Mansar is of immense importance from pilgrimage as well heritage point of view besides being the most scenic attraction due to vast Mansar Lake and its wildlife sanctuary and flora and fauna. The implementation of its Rejuvenation/Development Plan will certainly bring Mansar on the world tourism map, he added.
“Comprehensive Mansar Rejuvenation/Development Plan” after its implementation shall provide a big boost towards increase in the number of Tourists/pilgrims from around 10 lakhs in the year 2019-2020 to 20 lakhs; employment generation of around 1.15 crore approximately; income generation of approximately 800 crore per year; development of Mansar and its surrounding hamlets in terms of socio-economic upliftment and better future of the residents of the locals- collectively bringing Mansar on the world tourism map,’’ said the Lt Governor.
UT Government has approved Rs 16.50 Crore under CAPEX budget against 13 components and the remaining components will be completed under Central Government’s SWADESH DARSHAN. We are targeting to complete the project within a period of 5 years.
The prestigious project comprises of Sub-Project/Components like establishment of Tourist Facilitation Centre, Development of Wellness/Naturopathy Centre, Restoration of Mansar Haveli and Narsingh Temple, Ornamental Entrances, Development of pathway/drainage channel along the banks of the Lake as per the Wild Life norms, Avian Fauna Gallery with Bird Watcher Lodge, Packaged STP’s, Zip Line, High Mast Lights, Security Cameras, Musical Water Fountain, Wi-Fi connectivity, Rock Climbing, Open Air Gym, Upgradation of Mansar Sub-Station, Development of Sheshnag temple, Amusement Park, Upgradation of internal roads, suitable Parking facility besides upgradation of footpaths, jetties and boating facility in the Mansar Lake etc. as per the requirement from Tourism point of view, he added.
He directed the concerned officers to take requisite measures for creating adequate facilities for the visiting tourists and put in place a robust mechanism to preserve religious, cultural and environmental significance of the lake.
