Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Sarmad Hafeez reviewed the facilities for tourists at Mansar and Surinsar at a meeting of officers here today.Addressing the meeting, the Tourism Secretary said given the fact that since both these destinations are nearest to Jammu city, development of basic facilities at Mansar and Surinsar should be prioritized. He specifically stressed on keeping the two destinations clean and conducting regular cleanliness drives at these two places. He also directed the putting up of facilities like public convenience and proper signages all along the roads leading to these destinations.Sarmad Hafeez also directed holding of weekly activity at Mansar and Surinsar to attract tourist footfall at these two places which would also provide people of Jammu city some much needed outdoor recreational activity. In this regard, he suggested holding weekly musical and cultural programmes under the Mansar Weekend plan.The Tourism Secretary also asked the Director Tourism, Jammu to collaborate with the Transport department in exploring the possibility of starting a regular bus service to Mansar and Surinsar. He also suggested holding some paragliding activities near Surinsar to explore the adventure potential of the destination.Sarmad Hafeez said the Department intends to develop the two destinations as prime tourist resort. For this, he said, the Department is working round the clock.The meeting was informed that Adventure Park at Surinsar which has been inducted with children’s adventure equipment would soon be thrown open to the public. Other activities, the meeting was informed, are also planned at the destination which is also expected to enhance the footfall at the destination.Senior officers of the Tourism Department and Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority and other officers were present in the meeting.
