JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla and senior Congress leaders voice concerns over neglect of vital tourist sites in Jammu.
On September 25, JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla, accompanied by former ministers Yogesh Sawhney and Yash Pal Kundal, visited the pilgrim-tourist circuit encompassing Balidhan Stambh, Har Ki Poudi, Herbal Garden, and Bagh-e-Bahu. They expressed serious concerns regarding the deplorable condition of these sites, attributing the situation to the neglect by the BJP-led administration.
The group observed that the road connectivity within this vital tourist circuit shows signs of severe deterioration. Bhalla pointed out that the issues stem from inadequate maintenance and an overarching lack of attention since the BJP took over government duties. This route, which was once developed by the Congress prior to 2014, now lies in shambles.
“The pilgrim-tourist circuit has suffered significantly due to the recent rains and flooding, further highlighting the urgent need for repairs and renovations,” Bhalla stated. He underscored that it is essential for the local authorities to address this urgent infrastructure matter.
The ignored roads from Balidhan Stambh to Har Ki Poudi and through to Bagh-e-Bahu have become impassable, leaving pilgrims and tourists frustrated. Bhalla criticized the current government for their failure to implement regular maintenance over the past decade, leading to the present unsatisfactory situation. He stressed that the government holds a responsibility to cater to the needs of pilgrims, tourists, and local residents alike.
BJP’s repeated proclamations regarding the beautification of Jammu and the development of tourist destinations emerged as a significant point of contention. Bhalla and his colleagues characterized these promises as empty slogans that failed to result in tangible improvements.
“BJP’s failures on all fronts have been laid bare. The claims of development and the vision for a smart city did not withstand the recent environmental challenges. It is evident that poor management, possibly exacerbated by man-made disasters, led to the hardships faced by the people,” a senior Congress leader remarked during the visit.
Joining Bhalla were prominent Congress leaders including Diwan Chand, Latish Sharma, Mangat Ram, Dinesh Dadwal, Sahil Shavotra, Bittu Shavotra, Kundan Dalotra, Arun Dadwal, and Sanjeev Kattal. Together, they called for immediate action to restore the pilgrim-tourist circuit, asserting the need for accountable governance that prioritizes the welfare of Jammu’s residents.
