Doda has vast tourism potential: Azad

Jammu, Nov 22 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has said Doda has vast potential for tourism like other areas of the state, and as such, requires attention to be properly brought on the tourism map of the countryu and showcased for large scale tourism.

Addressing a public meeting at his home town, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said recognising this fact the government has given proper thrust for promotion and upgradation of tourist facilities in the areas like Doda district.

''There was no political consideration or any other motive in creating eight new districts and other administrative units in the state,'' the Chief Minister said adding that the sole aim of such a decision was to take the administration to the remotest areas of the state and address the development needs of the people, especially those living in backward areas.

Mr Azad said the creation of new districts was the need of the hour to accommodate the long-pending aspirations of the people across the state. ''Equitable development of all the areas and people without any consideration of the region is the prime agenda of my government,'' he added.

The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of Rs 1.75 crore 54 metres span steel motorable bridge at bhalla over neeru nallah on Bhalla-Tesna road and Rs 2 crore 56 metres span steel motorable bridge at Malnai on Berru-Barasoo road on the same nallah.

He also laid the foundation of Rs 2.85 crore outdoor stadium at doda to be built on an area of 3500 sq metres and distributed appointment letters to 68 persons under sro-43. The foundation of indoor patients block in district hospital Doda had to be completed at a cost of about Rs. 16 crore within two years.

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