Jammu, Sept 25: Raman Bhalla, the Working President of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the neglect of the Bagh-e-Bhau pilgrim-tourist circuit during a recent visit. Bhalla was accompanied by former ministers Yogesh Sawhney and Yash Pal Kundal as they assessed the deteriorating conditions of this vital tourist destination.
During their visit, they highlighted the poor state of road connectivity and infrastructure from Balidaan Stambh, Har ki Pousi, Harbal Garden, Bagh-e-Bahu to Shah Bad Colony. They attributed this neglect to the BJP’s over-decade-long governance, which they claim has failed to maintain what was once a well-developed route.
Bhalla expressed deep concern over the deplorable conditions that have plagued the tourist circuit, particularly the roads connecting Balidhan Stambh to Har ki Poudi and the route leading to Bagh-e-Bahu. “The state of this tourist corridor has worsened significantly over the years. Once completed by Congress, it is now left in tatters,” he stated.
According to Bhalla, the BJP-led administrations have completely ignored necessary upkeep and renovations for 11 years, resulting in extensive damage, especially after the recent rains and floods. He called for immediate repairs and restoration efforts to bring the circuit back to a functional state.
“The government and the officials responsible have neglected their duties towards the pilgrims, tourists, and local residents who rely on this essential route and its amenities,” said Bhalla. He emphasized that consistent maintenance is vital for the upkeep of tourist destinations that benefit not only visitors but also the local population.
In a pointed critique, Bhalla accused the BJP of offering empty promises regarding the beautification of Jammu and the promotion of tourism. “Their claims of developing tourist spots and boosting pilgrim tourism have turned out to be hollow,” he asserted, citing the neglect of critical infrastructure as evidence of their failures.
The Congress leaders further expressed discontentment with the BJP’s overall management of Jammu, stating that the recent rainfall and floods have exposed significant shortcomings in governance. As the area suffers from infrastructural failures, both the party and the residents continue to endure the consequences.
Joining Bhalla in this visit were prominent Congress figures including Diwan Chand, Latish Sharma, Mangat Ram, Dinesh Dadwal, Sahil Shavotra, Bittu Shavotra, Kundan Dalotra, Arun Dadwal, and Sanjeev Kattal, all of whom voiced support for his concerns.
The call for renewed focus on the Bagh-e-Bhau tourist circuit reflects broader issues of governance in Jammu. With the potential of this area to attract pilgrims and tourists, stakeholders now urge the government to prioritize infrastructure improvements and restore funding to enhance the local economy and visitor experience.
In light of these events, the Congress party plans to continue advocating for better management and preservation of local tourist sites, aiming to foster a more inviting environment that can cater to both residents and visitors alike.
