Raman Bhalla, Yogesh Sawhney, and Yash Pal Kundal criticize the BJP government for neglecting the pilgrim tourist circuit, impacting tourism in Jammu.
On September 25, 2023, Working President of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), Raman Bhalla, accompanied by former ministers Yogesh Sawhney and Yash Pal Kundal, visited the Bagh-e-Bahu area, expressing deep concerns about the deplorable conditions of the region’s tourist infrastructure. The officials surveyed the route from Balidaan Stambh to Har Ki Poudi, highlighting the neglect that has persisted under the BJP-led administration for over a decade.
Bhalla pointedly blamed the BJP for the current state of disrepair, emphasizing that vital projects, such as the pilgrim tourist circuit, had successfully been completed by the Congress government before 2014. He lamented that the beautiful areas like Bagh-e-Bahu and Harbal Garden now suffer from poor road connectivity, made worse by recent rains and floods.
According to Bhalla, the failure to maintain and upgrade key tourist routes over the last eleven years led to severe damages that put both pilgrims and local residents at risk. He stated, “The BJP has turned a once-promising tourist circuit into a dilapidated and non-functional route, neglecting their duties to the people who rely on this important infrastructure.”
The senior Congress leader also criticized the government for its failure to uphold its commitments to beautify Jammu city and support tourist development. “The constant promises from the BJP of enhancing tourism through the ‘Smart City’ initiative have crumbled, especially in light of the recent natural disasters,” Bhalla added.
During the visit, the Congress party leaders demanded immediate repairs, renovations, and restoration of the tourist circuit. They reasoned that the neglect reflects a broader inability of the BJP to deliver on development and real-time maintenance strategies.
Other notable leaders who joined Bhalla on the inspection included Diwan Chand, Latish Sharma, Mangat Ram, Dinesh Dadwal, Sahil Shavotra, Bittu Shavotra, Kundan Dalotra, Arun Dadwal, and Sanjeev Kattal. Together, they stressed that the dilapidated state of Jammu’s pilgrim tourist circuit must be addressed promptly to restore its function and appeal.
The criticisms levelled against the BJP administration resonate amid growing public discontent over inadequate infrastructure and unfulfilled infrastructural promises. As local leaders pledge to take further action to advocate for improvements, citizens await a comprehensive response from the current government to this pressing issue.
