Jammu, September 25: Working President of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), Raman Bhalla, along with former ministers Yogesh Sawhney and Yash Pal Kundal, visited the neglected tourist circuit spanning from Balidaan Stambh to Bagh-e-Bahu. They expressed deep concern over the deteriorating condition of the roads and facilities, attributing the dismal state to the BJP-led government’s negligence over the past decade.
During their visit, which encompassed key locations like Har ki Poudi and the Herbal Garden, the Congress leaders denounced the failure of the ruling party to maintain what was once a vital tourist attraction developed under the Congress regime prior to 2014. Bhalla highlighted that the BJP has ignored this crucial project, resulting in severe damage to the infrastructure caused by recent rains and floods.
“The neglect of the pilgrim-tourist circuit is unacceptable,” said Bhalla. He blamed the BJP government for its lack of action, stating that it has been eleven years since they assumed power, yet regular maintenance and repairs have been conspicuously absent.
This deteriorating condition, according to Bhalla, shows a neglectful approach towards not just the pilgrimage sites, but also the local residents and tourists who rely on accessible roads and clean facilities. He stressed that the authorities have failed in their duty to protect and promote local tourism.
The visit coincided with the Congress leaders’ broader criticism of the BJP’s governance in Jammu. Bhalla and his colleagues accused the ruling party of deviating from its promises of beautifying Jammu city and fostering tourism growth. They charged that instead of real progress, the public has experienced broken promises and disillusionment.
“The BJP’s grand claims of development and creating smart cities have crumbled under the reality of the recent natural calamities. People suffered not only due to poor infrastructure but also as a result of what we term as man-made disasters,”
Bhalla remarked. His accusations point towards the BJP’s failure on multiple fronts, particularly regarding the upkeep of tourist attractions crucial for Jammu’s economy.
Supporting Bhalla, other prominent Congress leaders including Diwan Chand, Latish Sharma, and Mangat Ram accompanied him during the inspection. Their collective statements emphasized a united front against the BJP’s governance model, which they claim has consistently failed the people of Jammu.
In light of the visible neglect, the Congress party is calling for immediate action to repair and revitalize the Bagh-e-Bhau circuit. Bhalla has urged the government to prioritize the restoration of these critical sites, highlighting their potential to boost pilgrim tourism and generate local income.
As the issue gains attention, residents and frequent visitors to the Bagh-e-Bhau area echo the sentiments of the Congress leaders, expressing frustration over the declining state of facilities that were once intended to enhance the tourist experience. With Jammu’s heritage and natural beauty at stake, the demand for immediate intervention grows louder.
