Working President of JKPCC, Raman Bhalla, along with former ministers Yogesh Sawhney and Yash Pal Kundal, visited the Bagh-e-Bhau pilgrim-tourist circuit on September 25, 2023, raising concerns over its dire state.
They specifically examined areas from Balidaan Stambh to Har ki Poudi and the Herbal Garden, alleging the BJP-led government has ignored this vital project for over ten years. Bhalla emphasized the significant deterioration in road connectivity and accessibility, which are critical for both pilgrims and tourists.
Bhalla pointed out that the entire tourist circuit connecting Balidan Stambh, Har ki Poudi, and the Bagh-e-Bhau has significantly declined in quality. He directly linked the current state of neglect to the BJP’s governance, claiming that they have failed to maintain and upgrade the infrastructure that was initially developed during the Congress’s tenure before 2014.
The Congress leader criticized the BJP for neglecting the pilgrim-tourist circuit during the past eleven years. He cited extensive damage to the roads caused by recent rains and floods, calling for immediate restoration efforts to bring the area back to acceptable standards.
“The failures in regular maintenance and upgrades have led to the complete deterioration of this once-thriving tourist area,” Bhalla stated. “The government has neglected its duty to provide safe travel for pilgrims and tourists alike.”
During the site visit, Bhalla and his colleagues noted that the BJP’s promises of beautifying Jammu, promoting pilgrim tourism, and developing tourist hotspots have ultimately proven hollow. “BJP has failed Jammu on every front, and their claims of development and smart city initiatives have been thoroughly discredited in the wake of recent disasters,” he added.
Bhalla was joined by other prominent Congress leaders, including Diwan Chand, Latish Sharma, Mangat Ram, Dinesh Dadwal, Sahil Shavotra, Bittu Shavotra, Kundan Dalotra, Arun Dadwal, and Sanjeev Kattal during this critical inspection of the Bagh-e-Bhau circuit. Their visit underscores the urgent need for action to revitalize one of Jammu’s important tourist corridors.
Experts believe that tourism plays a key role in boosting local economies, especially in historically significant areas like Jammu. The neglect of such circuits not only hampers tourism but also affects local businesses and livelihood opportunities for residents.
The local community has echoed these sentiments, expressing frustration over unfulfilled promises and the deteriorating conditions of roads and facilities that cater to tourists. They demand that the government take corrective measures swiftly to restore safe access to these important sites.
As tourism continues to struggle in the aftermath of record rainfall and flooding, the call for improved infrastructure grows louder. Time will reveal whether the BJP government will heed these concerns and address the pressing needs of Jammu’s pilgrim-tourist circuit, a lifeline for many local businesses reliant on this industry.
