Jammu, Sept 25: JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla, accompanied by former ministers Yogesh Sawhney and Yash Pal Kundal, expressed grave concerns over the neglected state of the pilgrim-tourist circuit including Bagh-e-Bhau.
Their visit to the vital tourist route, which spans from Balidaan Stambh to Har ki Poudi, revealed deplorable road conditions that have worsened due to recent rains and floods. They attributed the lack of upkeep to the BJP-led government, accusing it of failing to maintain this essential infrastructure for over a decade.
Bhalla emphasized that the Congress government had initially conceived and completed the project before 2014. He criticized the BJP’s neglect of the circuit, stating, “The BJP has left this once vibrant route in shambles, damaging the pilgrim tourism that Jammu prides itself on.”
During their inspection, Bhalla highlighted the risks to both tourism and the local community from failing infrastructure. The area now suffers extensive damage, and the roads connecting Harbal Garden, Bagh-e-Bahu, and the Bahu Fort Temple need immediate repairs and renovations.
“The government has not carried out regular maintenance or upgrades in a decade, which has turned a once-thriving tourist circuit into a neglected path,” Bhalla remarked. He urged authorities to take swift action to restore the area to its former glory.
With criticism aimed squarely at the BJP, the Congress leaders accused the ruling party of offering “hollow slogans and false promises” regarding the beautification of Jammu and the promotion of pilgrim tourism. Bhalla described the BJP’s commitments to tourism development as an utter failure.
“In the wake of the recent floods, it has become glaringly clear that the BJP’s claims of development for Jammu have proven to be baseless. The ramifications of their neglect have left people to suffer from man-made disasters as well,” he stated.
Joining Bhalla in this criticism were prominent Congress leaders including Diwan Chand, Latish Sharma, Mangat Ram, Dinesh Dadwal, Sahil Shavotra, Bittu Shavotra, Kundan Dalotra, Arun Dadwal, and Sanjeev Kattal, who all shared their concerns during the visit.
The stagnation in development and the decline of the pilgrim tourist circuit, particularly Bagh-e-Bhau, reflects a broader negligence that locals feel has plagued Jammu under the current administration.
As uncertainties loom over the future of these important tourist destinations, local leaders call for a reevaluation of priorities from those in power. Immediate intervention is crucial to restore the circuit and revive the potential it holds for both tourism and community well-being.
