By IANS,
Jammu : The Jammu and Kashmir tourism department is developing at least two areas close to the international border with Pakistan to promote tourism in the state, a minister said Friday.
Tourism Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora Friday visited the Suchetgarh border post, 35 km from here, to inspect the work on tourism infrastructure.
“I have issued orders to inaugurate this spot (Suchetgarh) along with Chamliyal (about 55 km from Jammu) by February 2013,” Jora said.
The minister said the central government provided Rs.6.39 crore for the development of tourism infrastructure at Suchetgarh in Jammu district and Chambyal in Samba district.
The project includes building of tourist facilitation centres, rooms, restaurants, flower stalls, construction of pathways, toilet blocks, view decks, besides conservation and development of the Radha-Krishan temple and Peer Baba Ziarat at Suchetgarh.
The central government has so far released Rs.5.11 crore, out of which Rs.4.68 crore have been utilised for creation of the tourist facilities. Over 80 percent development work has been completed, the minister said.
Tourism Minister told mediapersons that the government would promote border tourism to attract more visitors to the state. He said that besides creating employment, the initiative would help develop border areas which possess immense tourism potential.