Govt to tap pilgrim tourism potential

Lauding efforts of Shree Chandi Mata Trust for providing platform to singers, Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand said the State is rich in talent and local artists have excelled in their field not only in the country but all over the world. Such competitions go a long way in nurturing budding vocalists of the area and provides an opportunity to showcase the local talent to a wider audience, he added.

He was speaking after inaugurating Bhaint competition organized by Shree Chandi Mata Trust, Jammu and kashmir.

Calling upon the organizers to make the event a regular feature, the Deputy Chief Minister said every year a national level Bhajan competition is organized at Katra and local as well as national artists participate in the same, adding that success of the competition can be adjudged from the fact that winners of the competition have earned name and fame in the music industry.

Reiterating resolve of the Government for promoting pilgrim tourism, Mr. Tara Chand said focused attention is being paid to promote religious tourist circuits of the State and all out efforts have been initiated to upgrade required infrastructure at these world famous pilgrim destinations.

He said tourism is an important contributor to State's economy and Government is fully determined to tap the vast potential of pilgrim tourism in all three regions of the State.

Underscoring the need to provide better facilities to pilgrims, he said Ghulam Nabi Azad has shown personal interest in the project for upgrading infrastructure of Machail Yatra and measures have been initiated to improve the arrangements on the lines of Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra.

"Machail Yatra is growing every year and as per an estimate it has crossed five lakh last year, now we have to initiate measures for promoting the yatra in a much bigger way," he added.

Among others the function was attended by, Padam Shree S.P. Verma and Special Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Kuldip Lal Khajuria.

Various demands were projected by the Trust, including Bhawan/ Sarai at Jammu and Padar and up gradation of facilities for the visiting yatris.

Responding to the demands, the Deputy Chief Minister said all genuine demands of the Trust would be examined and necessary action taken.

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