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Doda, June 15 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Gulam Nabi Azad and Union Tourism Minister Ambika Soni today inaugurated a fortnight-long tourism festival in Bhadarwah.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Azad said state tourism, which has vast employment potential, is being accorded highest priority with many interior areas having scenic beauty making it to the tourism map of the state.

He said tourism development authorities and circuits created across Jammu and Kashmir will give a boost to the sector.

Referring to the steps being taken for development of Bhadarwah and other areas in Doda district, the Chief Minister said Rs 20 crore provided for the Bhadarwah Tourism Development Authority (BTDA) will be utilised to create tourism-related infrastructure.

The development of Lakhanpur-Basohli-Bani-Bhadarwah and Doda-Kishtwar-Sinthantop-Kokernag circuits would generate enormous economic activities, he added.

Mr Azad said Doda district will emerge as a tourism hub in future as it has a huge potential for eco, adventure, pilgrim, cultural, conventional and heritage tourism.

The Chief Minister said double laning of Bhadarwah-Doda road would be completed by May next adding that the Centre has also sanctioned Rs 67 crore for the upgradation of Bhadarwah-Chamba road, which would be completed in next three to four years.

Expressing gratitude to the Central government for providing funds for taking up massive infrastucture development in the state, Mr azad called for people's participation in the development process.

He also thanked the Union Tourism Minister for participating in the festival and urged her to project this tourist destination at national and international level.

Assuring full support for promotion of tourism in the state, Union Tourism Minister said the state's vast tourism potential would be tapped. Adding that peace was imperative for development. She also expressed satisfaction over the improved situation in the state.

Referring to the Bhadarwah festival, she said such events contribute in promoting tourism and adequate funds were being provided for the BTDA and tourist circuits for creation of infrastrucutre and wayside facilities to attract more tourists.

Mr Azad and Ms Soni also went round stalls from different states, showcasing their handicrafts, handloom products and cultural heritage, and showed keen interest in the products. They also visited a painting exhibition, which was a part of the festival, and interacted whith the artists.

Both the leaders visited highland meadow of Seojdhar near Bhadarwah and were given a warm welcome by the people.

Mr Azad also inaugurated a bridge on link road, branches of Jawahar Institute of mountaineering and winter sports, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages at Bhadarwah. He addressed a national seminar organised by the Jammu University.

Minister for Rural Development Mr Jugal Kishore Sharma, Legislators Mr Mohammad Sharief Niaz and Mr Abdul Majid Wani, President Municipal Committee Bhadarwah, Mr Javed Azad, Commissioner/Secretary phe, Irrigation and Flood Control Mr Mehboob Iqbal, Secretary to Chief Minister Dr Pawan Kotwal, SSP Doda, Mr Manohar Singh, Director Tourism Jammu, Mr Ajay Khajuria, Chief Executive Officer BTDA, Mr Talat Parvaiz, and many others were present at the inaugural function.

UNI