Raman Bhalla, the Working President of JKPCC, along with former ministers Yogesh Sawhney and Yash Pal Kundal, visited Jammu on September 25 to address the dire state of the pilgrim tourist circuit.
The officials inspected the route from Balidan Stambh through Har ki Poudi to the Herbal Garden and Bagh-e-Bahu, emphasizing the poor condition of roads leading to these significant sites. Bhalla specifically held the BJP-led government accountable for the neglect that has plagued this vital project for the past decade.
During the inspection, Bhalla vividly described the deplorable condition of the infrastructure, noting that the tourist circuit, which connects Balidan Stambh to Har ki Poudi and further to Bagh-e-Bahu and Bahu Fort Temple, suffers from extensive damage. The recent rains exacerbated these issues, leaving the roads in a dilapidated state. “The BJP has ignored this crucial project since taking power, despite it being successfully completed by Congress before 2014,” Bhalla stated.
Bhalla expressed his concern over how the lack of maintenance and regular updates has turned this once-thriving tourist circuit into one of the worst in the region. He pointed out that both the government and the authorities have failed to provide the necessary care for local pilgrim and tourist sites, compromising the experience for visitors and residents alike.
The senior Congress leaders further criticized the BJP for its failure to keep its promises regarding the beautification of Jammu city and its surrounding areas. “The claims of promoting pilgrim tourism and developing tourist destinations have proven to be empty lies,” said Bhalla, highlighting that the BJP’s track record on development exposes its failure to deliver on municipal planning and services.
Throughout the visit, Bhalla and his team referred to the aftermath of the recent floods, asserting that the BJP’s governance had led to man-made disasters contributing to the current state of disrepair. The local leaders expressed that the recent rains have not only highlighted the inadequacies in disaster management but have also amplified the struggles faced by the people in Jammu.
Among the prominent figures accompanying Bhalla were Diwan Chand, Latish Sharma, Mangat Ram, Dinesh Dadwal, Sahil Shavotra, Bittu Shavotra, Kundan Dalotra, Arun Dadwal, and Sanjeev Kattal. Together, they called for immediate repairs, renovations, and restoration of the pilgrim-tourist circuit, stressing the need for urgent government intervention to rectify the situation.
In conclusion, the visitors left a clear message: the persistent neglect of Jammu’s tourist infrastructure poses a significant threat to the local economy and the cultural heritage of the region. As pilgrims and tourists seek new experiences, a revitalized commitment from the authorities is essential to ensure that Jammu retains its status as a pilgrimage hub.
