The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced plans to develop pilgrim tourism circuits in the Jammu region, aiming to encourage pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine to explore other tourist destinations in the area, states a report by PTI. Addressing the assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated the government's intention to divert 10 to 15 per cent of the one crore pilgrims who visit the Vaishno Devi shrine annually to various destinations in the region, which would boost the local economy and benefit the population.
To achieve this, the government is creating three-, four-, and seven-day packages for the pilgrim tourism circuit in Jammu. These packages will showcase various destinations in the region, ensuring that pilgrims have the opportunity to visit all such places.
By strategically linking the popular Vaishnodevi shrine with other attractions, the government hopes to create a sustainable tourism model that distributes the economic benefits more widely. The development of pilgrim tourism circuits is expected to generate employment opportunities, improve infrastructure, and enhance the overall tourism landscape of the Jammu region. This initiative is a significant step towards promoting Jammu as a comprehensive tourist destination, capitalising on the already substantial influx of pilgrims to the region.
Notably, The Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) is also bringing in multiple initiatives to modernise Jammu’s infrastructure. JSCL has undertaken the restoration and beautification of landmarks such as Bahu Fort, Mubarak Mandi, and Raghunath Bazaar.
(with inputs from multiple reports)