Snow, Rains Lash Holy Cave of Shri Amarnathji,
Hamper Track Clearance
Governor to inspect the Holy Cave area & other locations on 11th June 2009

Srinagar, June 7 - Continuous snowfall at the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji since Friday-afternoon has hampered the work on the track clearance and raising of various facilities at various locations and camping sites on both the Pahalgam and Baltal sides.

According to a Spokesperson of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) the weather situation is constantly being monitored by the Board at all the locations enroute the Cave Shrine. “It was snowing and raining heavily at the Holy Cave, Baltal and the entire track from both Pahalgam and Baltal sides almost throughout on Saturday”, he said, adding that the Meteorological Department had forecast rains and snowfall also for Sunday. According to reports, the Cave periphery and areas around Sheshnag had recorded about 2 feet snow while even the Base Camp at Baltal was reported to have received snowfall of 3 inches till yesterday afternoon. “Even today morning, it was snowing in the Holy Cave area when the reports last came in”, he said.

The Spokesperson elaborated that despite inclement weather during the past few days and accumulated snowfall on both the routes, the efforts to clear the tracks were in full swing. He said that over 100 labourers are working overtime at the Cave and its periphery to clear the tracks and have the required facilities in place.

Meanwhile, in view of the obtaining weather conditions, the spokesperson has once again advised the intending pilgrims to get themselves registered with the designated branches of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank across the country with regard to both the specific route of travel and the date of the Yatra. He reiterated that registration of pilgrims is all the more necessary for proper regulation of the Yatra to minimize hardships and inconvenience to the Yatris and also for ensuring adequate facilities at all the camps and the halting points enroute the Shrine for the registered Yatris. While emphasizing that safety and welfare of the pilgrims is the primary concern of the Board, he expressed the hope and optimism that all the intending pilgrims will follow the Board’s advice for registration, in advance, in their own interest, keeping in view the current weather trends. He added that no Yatri will be allowed to proceed on the arduous journey without proper registration.

The Spokesperson said that the Governor of J&K, who is also the Chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, has decided to personally inspect, along with the Chief Executive Officer and other officials of the Board, the Holy Cave area and both the Base Camps on 11th of June 2009 to make an on-the-spot assessment of the clearance work and other arrangements and review the overall situation.

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Chenab Valley treasure-trove of tourism:
Minister for Tourism and Culture

Srinagar, June 7 – Minister for Tourism and Culture Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora today concluded his extensive four-day visit of erstwhile Doda district as well as Udhampur and took stock of working of several Development Authorities, besides assessing the potential offered by the Chenab Valley in the tourism sector.

The tour was undertaken primarily to take a firsthand review of the functioning of the Tourism Development Authorities (TDAs) and works being executed by these, While visiting Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Patnitop and Sanasar, the Minister laid stress on creation of infrastructure that matches international standards so that targets for overseas visitors is achieved in the current tourist season. An amount of Rs.60 crore is being utilized by Development Authorities of Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Patnitop and Sanasar for upgraded infrastructure.

At Bhaderwah, which is also known as Chotta Kashmir, Mr. Jora reviewed the pace of development works at Jai, Gatha, Drudhoo, Nolthi, Teligrah, Kapra, Khilani and Amrinagar. The CEO, BTDA, Mr. Talat Pervaiz, briefed Mr. Jora about the tourism potential that Bhaderwah and its adjoining areas offer and added that better road connectivity will push up tourist inflow, which is still in a trickle compared to other known tourist spots. There is every likelihood that the pace of tourism will pick up when works worth Rs. 26.35 crore, which are in their final stages, would be executed. Bhaderwah offers great potential in paragliding and pilgrim tourism as it is also famous for annual Kailash Yatra.

While visiting Kishtwar, the Minister assessed the possibility of launching adventure sports in a big way and holding of rafting event in October there will be a beginning in that direction. The CEO, KTDA, Mr. Khalid Jehangir, informed the Minister about works worth Rs.5.52 crore, which are currently in progress. These works, after completion, will augment tourist inflow to the newly-created district. The Minister also visited Chhatroo, Chingam and Dool and asked the Development Authorities to prepare a roadmap for bringing these places on the tourism map of the district.

Referring to Patnitop as the fulcrum of tourism in Jammu district, Mr. Jora laid emphasis on bettering facilities at the spot so that more visitors are accommodated. He was informed that works worth Rs.7.4 crore are underway for creation of improved facilities for the visitors. Mr. Jora stressed on the involvement of local people in tourism-related activities and creation of heritage huts, keeping in view its proximity with Mata Viashno Devi shrine and the famous Sudhmahadev Temple.

At Sanasar, a cup-shaped meadow bestowed with a lake, Mr. Jora laid emphasis on starting aquatic sports. Director, Tourism, Jammu, Mr. S. M. Sahani, who is also holding the charge of CEO, PDTA told the Minister that paragliding has been a huge attraction for visiting tourists and redevelopment of the 9-hole golf course is set to multiply influx of especially overseas tourists to the area.

During his visit to Ramban and Banihal, the Minister asked the concerned authorities to develop tourist potential of the areas and bring more places onto the circuit. Laying greater focus on the pilgrim potential of Banihal, the Minister called for upgraded facilities for which he instructed the concerned authorities to come up with a concrete proposal.

At the end of his hectic tour, the Minister emphasized involvement of local people in tourism-related activities so that they become equal partners in the industry and benefit from the mainstay of State’s economy. He also impressed upon all the CEO of tourist officers to ensure timely-completion of upgraded works so that top-notch facilities are extended to all kinds of tourists.

During his tour of Kishtwar, Mr. Jora also visited upcoming DC Office Complex and separate office complex as well as hospital building. These works are being executed at a cost of Rs.51.15 crore.

Divisional Commissioner inaugurates
Historic Sudhmahadev Mela

Udhampur, June - Braving heavy down pour and chilling breeze, thousands of pilgrims and visitors thronged the historic Sudhmahadev temple in district Udhampur to seek the blessing of Lord Shiva during first day of three-day mela which got underway amidst colourful festivity around the mela site. Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Dr. Pawan Kotwal who was the chief guest, inaugurated the mela at a glittering function by lighting the traditional lamp in the premises of HSS Sudhmadev, last evening.

MLA Chenani, K.C. Bhagat, District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, Ajay Khajuria, Additional S.P Bhupinder Singh, District Officers, Mela Officer, tourists, pilgrims, prominent citizens and Local Mela Committee members were also present on the occasion.

Extending mela greetings to the people, the Divisional Commissioner said that the historic mela of Sudhmahadev was a symbol of mutual brotherhood and communal harmony as people belonging to different faiths arrive here to celebrate this mela every year with traditional fervour. Such occasions provide a chance to people to converge at a common place and share their culture and traditions which further strengthens bonds of friendship.

Village Sudhmahadev is known for the famous ancient temple of Lord Shiva, Dr. Kotwal said and asked the DDC to chalk out a perspective plan of developing the whole surrounding area in such a manner so that the panoramic view of the historic temple be visible from all sides besides developing Mantalai. He said that proposed alternate route from Sudhmahadev to Marmat would open new vistas of tourism related activities in the area.

MLA Chenani while speaking on the occasion appreciated the efforts of divisional and district administration for making suitable arrangements for the smooth conduct of the mela. He announced Rs.2 lac for the construction of a gate for Government Higher Secondary School, Sudhmahadev from his constituency development fund.

In his welcome address, the DDC threw light on the historic aspect of mela saying that the annual mega event is an amalgamation of religious, cultural and customary ingredients. He said that the district administration has made its best efforts in giving a fresh look to the mela so that more and more tourists from within and outside the state could be attracted towards this destination. He also appealed to the local people to come forward and cooperate with the district administration to popularize the ancient mela in a big way.

Various departments have put up their stalls for the awareness of visitors about their departmental activities. The district administration has made all necessary arrangements of security, accommodation, drinking water and power supply and sanitation etc. The Deptt. of Youth Services and Sports Department is organizing sports and cultural activities during the three-day mela.

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