The Diplomat Desk
Jammu:TDD, Under the able guidance of Vivekanand Rai IRS, Director Tourism Jammu, Joint Director Tourism, Jammu, Sunaina Sharma Mehta, along with Tourism Officers conducted a whirlwind tour to Suchetgarh Border on November 8, 2024, to assess the progress of ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at positioning this historic site as a prominent tourism destination.
During the visit, she reviewed key initiatives that focus on enhancing the visitor experience, while emphasizing Suchetgarh’s cultural and historical significance within Jammu’s broader tourism landscape.
Accompanied by senior Officials, including the Commandant, Border Security Force (BSF), Ajay Sharma, Deputy Director Tourism (Publicity) Savita Chouhan, Deputy Director (Planning) Neha Sharma, Tehsildar Suchetgarh, Executive Engineer R.S. Pura, and representatives from Jammu and Kashmir National Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKNRLM) and Dharmarth Trust, She thoroughly evaluated the ongoing work and outlined further steps to boost the site’s tourism appeal.
Mehta underscored the urgency of completing pivotal projects within a defined timeline, while specially focusing on the development of a ‘Welcome Gate’ and other allied works/projects that highlight the region’s rich cultural heritage.
She underscored that these initiatives would greatly elevate the visitor experience and firmly position Suchetgarh as a unique and sought-after destination for both domestic and international travelers.
Additionally, she urged the BSF authorities to allocate space at the retreat ceremony for showcasing Jammu’s rich arts and crafts.
This initiative would provide tourists with the opportunity to purchase authentic local products, thereby deepening their connection to the region’s cultural heritage.
She also highlighted the significance of the Gharana Wetland, a haven for migratory birds, and emphasized the need to develop the Suchetgarh-Gharana corridor.
With migratory birds soon to arrive, the development of this corridor is crucial to further enhance the region’s appeal as a prime destination for nature and birdwatching tourism.
She also proposed the involvement of local self-help groups under JKNRLM to set up display stalls, highlighting Jammu’s diverse tourism offerings.
This initiative aims to empower local communities by promoting their products, thereby contributing to both economic growth and the preservation of Jammu’s cultural traditions.
This visit underscores the Directorate of Tourism,
Jammu commitment to fostering sustainable tourism and developing Suchetgarh as a key component of Jammu’s tourism offerings.
By improving infrastructure, promoting local culture and encouraging community participation, the Directorate aims to maximize Suchetgarh’s tourism potential, ensuring it becomes a sought-after destination for travelers seeking cultural, historical and adventure experiences.
Through ongoing collaboration with local authorities, security forces, rural development organizations and other stakeholders, the Directorate of Tourism,Jammu is dedicated to elevate Jammu as a premier tourism destination.TDD
