Jammu: Working President JKPCC Raman Bhalla, accompanied by former ministers Yogesh Sawhney, Yash Pal Kundal, and others, visited the pilgrim-tourist circuit from Balidan Stambh, Har ki Paudi, Herbal Garden, Bagh-e-Bahu to Shahbad Colony. They expressed deep concern over the poor condition of road connectivity, blaming the BJP-led dispensation for over a decade of neglecting this vital project completed by the Congress.
Expressing grave concern over the deplorable state of the entire tourist circuit—connecting Balidan Stambh to Har ki Paudi, Herbal Garden, Shahbad Colony road, Bagh-e-Bahu, and Bahu Fort temple—Bhalla held the BJP responsible for the dilapidated situation. He reminded that the project had been conceived, contracted, and completed by the Congress during his tenure before 2014.
He said the BJP-led governments had totally neglected this pilgrim-tourist circuit over the past 11 years, leaving it in shambles. It has further suffered extensive damage due to recent rains and floods, he said, demanding immediate repairs, renovation, and restoration.
Bhalla said successive governments failed to carry out regular maintenance, repairs, and upgradation over the last decade, reducing the project to a pitiable condition. “The government and authorities at the helm of affairs have failed to discharge their duties towards pilgrims, tourists, and the local population by neglecting this vital project in Jammu city,” he added.
Targeting the BJP, the senior Congress leaders accused it of making hollow slogans and false promises of beautifying Jammu city and its outskirts, promoting pilgrim tourism, and developing tourist destinations. “These claims have proved to be an utter failure,” they said.
They further added that the BJP had failed Jammu on every front, and its tall claims of development and Smart City status were exposed during the recent rains and floods, in which people suffered immensely due to some man-made disasters as well.
