Pathania accuses NC of neglecting Jammu’s tourism, horticulture potential

03/06/2026

Udhampur, Jun 2: BJP senior leader and MLA Udhampur East, R.S. Pathania, on Monday accused successive National Conference and Congress governments of neglecting the tourism and horticulture potential of the Jammu region and called for the development of a comprehensive tourism circuit in Udhampur district.
Addressing public meetings at Dhamma, Thani Bharnara and later at the BJP office in Battal Ballian, Pathania said Jammu possesses immense tourism potential and several religious and heritage destinations that require greater attention and promotion. He said religious tourism could emerge as a major driver of economic growth in the region and advocated the development of a pilgrimage circuit connecting important shrines and heritage sites, including Pingla Mata, Bagge Wali Mata, Kashirah Mandi, Kangua and Thill Kali Mata temples.
"Proper infrastructure, better connectivity and promotion of these destinations can generate employment opportunities and boost the local economy," he said.
Pathania also highlighted the horticulture potential of the region, stating that crops such as litchi, lemon, amla, apple, apricot and walnut require greater promotion and market support.
Referring to the ongoing summer season, the MLA expressed concern over drinking water shortages in several areas and said a number of water supply schemes were either defunct or functioning below capacity.
He reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring potable drinking water for every household and called for timely implementation of water supply projects.
During the visit, Pathania inaugurated the blacktopping work of the Dhamma-Thani road completed at a cost of Rs 6 crore. He also inaugurated a waiting shed outside Shri Kali Mata Mandir at Thill-Roun.
The MLA further raised the issue of power supply and informed the gathering that works worth nearly Rs 40 crore were being undertaken under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to strengthen the electricity distribution network in the area.
He said around 100 transformers were being installed, augmented or upgraded under the scheme, while efforts were also underway to strengthen transmission infrastructure to improve power reliability and reduce outages.
Among those present were Mohan Lal Sharma, Mohinder Sharma, Lalita Sharma, Chaman Lal, Manoj Verma, Kuldeep Singh, Shaukat Ali, Raman Khajuria, Manjeet Singh, Vikram Singh, Santosh Devi and several former PRI representatives and party workers.

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