- ‘Border tourism to be given a boost’
JAMMU: Minister for Health & Medical Education, ARI and Trainings, Choudhary Lal Singh today inaugurated 2-day first Border Festival at Hiranagar which attracted more than 12,000 people on first day. Legislators, Mr. Rajeev Jasrotia and Mr. Kuldeep Raj, District Development Commissioner, Kathua, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, DIG BSF R S Gurung, SSP Kathua Neeva Jain, Ex-MLAs Mr. Durga Dass and Mr. Girdhari Lal Chalotra besides senior officers of district administration, officers of BSF and Army including a large number of men and women from the border belt were also present on the occasion.
The 2-day border festival has been organised to woo tourists from across the state and outside providing them opportunity to see International Border and areas along the border. A van on awareness regarding State and Centrally Sponsored Schemes were also launched on the occasion which will visit 100 villages to spread awareness among masses. District administration has also organised border safari and border home stay for tourists which has got tremendous response from visitors.
The Minister and MLAs inspected the 104 stalls installed in the Border Festival by different State Governments. He also interacted with the official and volunteers. Ch Lal Singh expressed happiness over diverse fields brought together on one platform providing opportunities to all especially youth and women of the border areas of the Kathua district. Addressing a large gathering, the Minister has said that border areas of the Kathua district would be developed into a mega Border tourist destination for pilgrim tourists visiting Mata Vaishno Devi and other holy shrines of Jammu division. He said that Government endeavour is to promote varied tourism activities in Jammu division like other parts of the state adding this would not only boost local economy but would also be a source of inspiration for coming generation.
The Minister highlighted the importance of Border Festival in showcasing border area of Kathua district as a tourist destination instead of war zone. He expressed hope that different initiatives launched by administration will harvest rich dividends for peace and development in border area apart from providing employment. He called upon the youth and women to avail the benefits of schemes and services made available by the Central and State Government through the proactive mission of district administration.
MLA Kathua and MLA Hirangar also spoke on the occasion regarding tourism and development in border area. Both the MLAs appreciated district administration for this innovative and unique intervention which will go a long way in development of border area. Earlier, an impressive cultural programme was presented by the artists of Information Department and Cultural Academy which was highly applauded by the audience. Later, a Dog Show staged by BSF received huge applause from audience while Band was displayed by BSF and Police Training School Kathua. Four sports competitions were also organised by district administration on the occasion.