On November 1, 2020 Jitendra Singh, Union MoS(Minister of State) PMO(Prime Minister’s Office), Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space laid foundation stone of ‘Comprehensive Mansar Rejuvenation/Development Plan’ in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) worth Rs.198.37 Crores through virtual mode.
- The plan aims to boost the socio-economic development of Jammu region.
- The plan includes upgradation of existing facilities and development of new projects.
Significance of the plan on its completion
i.On completion of the project, the area of Mansar Lake and its surrounding premises will be developed as a multi-purpose destination, which will attract visitors of various interests.
ii.It will also upgrade Mansar and its surrounding in terms of socio-economic upliftment.
iii.The number of Tourists/pilgrims will increase from around 10 lakhs in the year 2019-2020 to 20 lakhs per year in Mansar region.
iv.It leads employment generation for about 1.15 crore approximately.
v.It will also generate over Rs 800 crore of income per year.
Gist about the Project:
Comprises
The project comprises the following namely, Sub-Project/Components like establishment of Tourist Facilitation Centre, Development of Wellness/Naturopathy Centre and Restoration of Mansar Haveli and Narsingh Temple among others.
Reference
It is to be noted that the Mansar lake finds its reference in the ancient writings of Mahabharata.
Note– Tourism contributes to 7% of GDP(Gross Domestic Product) of Jammu and Kashmir
Centre’s Other Initiatives in J&K:
i.North India’s first biotech industrial park is being constructed in Kathua, J&K.
ii.The 1st ever Cannabis Medicine Project at Jammu, will be set up with collaboration of Canada at Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) in Jammu.
iii.The pilgrimage circuit that covers Shivkhori -Uttarbani -Purmandal -Sukrala Mata is being developed with UT & Central government.
iv.4 Circuits that cover 33 locations are being developed in Jammu division, under SWADESH DARSHAN with the cumulative cost of 201.96 crore rupees
v.Rs 706 Crore has been given by the Centre to J&K, to bring it as one of the most preferred tourist destinations in the World Map.
Key People
Baseer Ahmad Khan, Advisor to LG(Lieutenant Governor) of J&K(Jammu and Kashmir); Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary,Tourism, Divisional Commissioner; R.K.Katoch, CEO of Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority and other senior officials from Jammu and Srinagar joined the Webinar and e-inauguration event.
Recent Related News:
On 24th June 2020, Union Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space Jitendra Singh inaugurated Jammu and Kashmir’s ”Puneja Bridge” in Doda district and “Devika Bridge” in Udhampur district over a virtual platform.
About Jammu & Kashmir(J&K):
Airport – Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport Srinagar (Srinagar International or Budgam airbase).
Wildlife sanctuary– Achabal Wildlife Sanctuary, Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary, Overa Aru Wildlife Sanctuary.
