Initiation of long awaited Mansar Lake Rejuvenation Project by Dr Jitendra Singh Union Home minister by holding a high-level meeting to discuss the DPR is a good step in the development of this area. Dr Jitendra Singh informed that the entire entire area of Mansar lake and its surrounding premises are to be divided into multipurpose destination which could attract visitors with different interest ranging from different religious tourism to non religious tourism, watersports to health Wellness and holidays makers to weekend visitors. He said as Mansar lake is not very far from National Highway it could be a relaxation point for the tourist who's coming in JKUT. Elaborating the multiplicity and diversification of projects that are a part of the Mansar rejuvenation plan, Dr Jitendra Singh said the Mansar Lake was not just a picnic spot and religious tourist destination but also had the potential of becoming a 'Heritage Spot'. He said that this could be done by
"Preservation and redevelopment of the Haveli located near the lake"
He emphasized the need for using Technology for development of Mansar as a Heritage site for showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Dogras. He also said there is a proposed plan for Birds Gallery and Birds Watchers Lodge. The total cost of the project upon finalizing will range from rupees 130 to 170 crore and it will include a variety of components for sustainable development of this site for religious Heritage adventure recreation and ecotourism these include revamping of walkways, hot AirBalloons, musical fountains, amusement parks, AVN gallery Restoration of Haveli, sculpture and models presenting Dogra and other features include bio-toilets, free Wi-Fi zones and station centres, solar street light etc.
In this regard I would like to have the attention of Dr Jitendra Singh that the proposed Heritage site which includes Haveli which was built by the Maharaja for the pilgrims who came to the Mansar lake we can also have this Heritage spot to be developed on more broader basis if we include in it Mahoregarh, Dhergarh, Bhupnergarh Forts, the three sisters which are in close vicinity of this lake and are only 8 km from The Pilgrimage site. As these Heritage forts has no communication link, so tourist have no knowledge of these places and if they have they can cannot go there due to non availability of road if the communication links are provided to these places under different Prime Minister Road schemes then these heritage sites they can also developed and add more beauty to this place. Moreover this could be a revenue generator for the entire area which is in miserable conditions due to non availability of road link. If a detailed study is done on this and DPR to be prepared for this project this could be possible and the tourist have the glimpses of old cultural heritage of District Samba. As you have already mentioned The Tourist potential of These areas will be 20 lakhs when it will be completed, it will be Icing on the Cake, if these areas are also included in heritage tourism thus making a Heritage Circuit as these are also in close vicinity to Utterbehni and Purmandal (we have already mentioned this under our series of 'Neglected Tourism Part 2 3 4' to our readers that how much potential these areas have and how much beauty these places have. Kindly find on Google on our website) which again needed only roads link.
