Jammu Tourism Dept – A sordid saga of incompetence (I)

Fails to follow up Purmandal-UttarBehni project despite Union Minister’s keen interest

A one and a half year after DPR submission, the long due facelift work at Purmandal-UttarBehni under PRASAD scheme is yet to begin as Directorate of Tourism Jammu still ‘aches’ for nod from Ministry of Tourism.

“Purmandal and UttarBehni are revered ancient shrines. After years of absolute neglect to develop and promote them, a ray of hope was rekindled when Union Minister paid obeisance there and promised for a revamp under PRASAD. GC Murmu, during his tenure as LG J&K also visited the shrines and enquired about the progress. Although not on time, but Project Plan was submitted. Sadly, one and a half year later, there is no breakthrough,” says a resident of Samba, an ardent visitor to these shrines.

He adds, “Development of these shrines, which are in dilapidated condition, promotion of a religious tourism circuit, fillip to the local economy – all are on standby. Directorate of Tourism Jammu is one sordid saga of ineptitude and incompetence.”

Heritage temple complexes of Purmandal

On 17^th December 2019, while on his visit to Jammu, Prahlad Singh Patel, Union Minister of State for Tourism, had stressed for holistic development of Purmandal-UttarBehni under Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme as a major pilgrimage centre on tourism map of India.

He had expressed concern over the decrepit state of the historic sites, and sought a Detailed Project Report within a fortnight for further necessary action.

Prahlad Singh Patel, Union Minister of State for Tourism, at Purmandal in December 2019

The DPR at an estimated cost of Rs 5054.16 Lakhs was framed and submitted to the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, on 27^th January 2020.

However, neither the DPR has received a nod from the Ministry till date, nor the various development works envisaged at Purmandal-UttarBehni shrines have commenced.

A Jammu based tourism stakeholder mentions that one has to ascertain that DPR fulfills the criteria of PRASAD scheme, for speedy approval.

“Directorate of Tourism Jammu does not enjoy a connection with Ministry of Tourism, and has hardly made any efforts for the same. And we all know the intent and competence of the officials of this department to develop and promote Jammu province. Had it been otherwise, some official would have followed up Purmandal-UttarBehni project in New Delhi for approval, especially when the Union Minister has shown keen interest himself. Beginning of development works is another thing,” points out another stakeholder.

Uttar Behni Temple

Purmandal and Uttarbehni, important pilgrimage centers, are located on the banks of the River Devika, also known as the elder sister of River Ganga, in Samba district.

The DPR prepared by Surinsar Mansar Development Authority, Directorate of Tourism Jammu, put forth development of tourist infrastructure at Purmandal at Rs 3499.12 Lakhs, and at Rs 1505 for UttarBehni.

The components of tourist infrastructure that had to be developed at Purmandal are: footwear kiosks, directional signage, LED wall, tourist information kiosk, sitting benches, viewpoints at Rs 30 Lakhs; entrance gateway at Rs 25 Lakhs; construction of tourist facilitation centre including library at Rs 200 Lakhs; Development of Integrated parking (10 kanals) with provision for public conveniences, water point, access control, guard room, waiting hall, ATM, vehicle workshop, fencing, leveling and filling of land at Rs 350 Lakhs; Upgradation of existing bus stand by way of macadamization, foot paths and drainage at Rs 100 Lakhs; Paved approach road from existing bridge to hospital (400 mtrs) at Rs 150 Lakhs; Pathways with retaining walls, bathing ghats, intermediate green patches and provision of sewerage and drainage network including STP at downstream of Purmandal bridge on both sides (2*1000 m) at Rs 1800 Lakhs; Conservation and restoration of 12 haveli/sarai/bowli, 19 temples, 13 bowlis at Rs 600 Lakhs; Landscaping of open area around shrines/temples at Rs 100 Lakhs; Illumination including lighting, LED wall, public address system, CCTV cameras at Rs 200 lakhs; Suspension foot bridge across Devika bridge with approaches at Purmandal at Rs 100 Lakhs.

Similarly, the components of tourist infrastructure that had to be developed at UttarBehni are: Tourist amenities centre (public conveniences, water points, cafeterias, benches, viewpoints and dustbins, at Rs 100 Lakhs; entrance gateway at Rs 25 Lakhs; development of parking at Rs 150 Lakhs; Devika river front development including pathways and fencing at Rs 400 Lakhs; Restoration of Sanskrit Vidyalaya, living quarters of students, queue complex at Rs 100 Lakhs; Development of Sh Abhimukteshwar Ji temple including restoration of temple along the corners at Rs 100 Lakhs; Restoration of bowli, landscaping and parking at Ram Temple at Rs 100 Lakhs; Illumination of temples by way of installing GI poles with floodlights, LED wall, public address system and CCTV cameras at Rs 200 Lakhs; Herbal garden/Vatika with landscaping, pathways, fencing and sitting places at Rs 225 Lakhs.

It remains to be seen, when will the Directorate of Tourism get approval and funding, make the abovementioned development works at Purmandal and UttarBehni a reality.

Also: Read my article at The News Now