Adv Purnima asks NC Govt to prioritize completion of key tourism projects in Jammu

JAMMU: Adv. Purnima Sharma, BJP Spokesperson for Jammu & Kashmir and former Deputy Mayor of Jammu, on Tuesday strongly urged the administration to focus on the timely completion of ongoing tourism infrastructure projects in Jammu, stating that mere rhetoric on promoting religious tourism will not suffice unless critical projects on ground are delivered efficiently and on time.

Addressing a press conference at Party Headquarters in Jammu, Adv. Purnima Sharma and Rajni Sethi, Spokesperson, J&K BJP, emphasized that while the so-called ruling government often speaks about boosting religious and heritage tourism in Jammu & Kashmir, there has been a serious lack of progress on several key projects in the Jammu region. “The government must take serious note of the delays and stagnation in major tourism-related works, especially those which are vital for the people of the Old City and the larger Jammu population,” she asserted.

She specifically highlighted the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, a significant `historical and cultural landmark, and demanded the expedited restoration and beautification of the complex, along with the park located within its premises. “This heritage site reflects the glorious Dogra legacy and its restoration is not only about tourism, but also about preserving the identity of Jammu,” she added. she appealed to the Government to expedite and complete the project at the earliest."

Adv. Purnima also drew attention to the River Tawi Front Development Project, where the historic Tawi Aarti has recently organized on its banks. She said, it holds immense potential to redefine Jammu’s urban and tourism landscape. “The historic River Tawi is the lifeline of Jammu, and the development of the Tawi Front should be completed at the earliest,” she said, while calling for urgent intervention to revive and expedite the project.

While appreciating the launch of the first-ever Gandola (ropeway) project in Jammu, she noted that it has failed to attract local enthusiasm due to lack of promotion and supporting infrastructure. “There is a dire need to take additional steps to make it a successful tourist attraction,” she said. Adv. Purnima asked the ruling National Conference-led government to show serious commitment towards the completion of all Jammu-based tourism projects, in order to truly transform Jammu into a vibrant religious and heritage tourism hub.

Rajni Sethi, in her address, said that it was a historic day on Baisakhi when the Suryaputri Tawi Aarti was performed for the first time on the sacred banks of the Tawi River, also known as Tavishi. According to ancient beliefs, Tawi was brought to Jammu by Paindnaag, the son of Vasuki Naag. Despite its spiritual and cultural significance, no government in the past took any steps to honor this holy river with an Aarti, like the Ganga Aarti. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi ji, this tradition has now begun, marking a new chapter for Jammu.

Rajni Sethi urged all the people of Jammu to participate in the Tawi Aarti and receive the divine blessings of Suryaputri Tawi. For decades, successive governments treated Jammu unfairly, always favoring Kashmir. However, under Modi ji and the BJP, both Jammu and Kashmir are being treated equally in the spirit of building a Naya Jammu Kashmir. Jammu is now the only city in India with an IIT, IIM, and AIIMS—a matter of pride for all of us, said Sethi.

We also thank the Modi government for the grand gift of the Jambu Zoo, which showcases diverse wildlife. Had it been the NC government, they might have shifted it to Kashmir. Another remarkable gift is the Tirupati Balaji Temple at Sidhra Road—a powerful symbol of faith for Hindus across Jammu. Known as the City of Temples, Jammu is finally receiving the recognition it deserves. We are grateful to PM Modi and the BJP for making Jammu a priority, added Sethi.