Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment Choudhary Lal Singh today said that Patnitop and Sanasar spots will be developed with improved basic amenities like road connectivity, safe drinking water, electricity, boarding and lodging facilities and landscaping. This was stated by the Minister while interacting with the locals during his visit to Patnitop and Sanasar areas. MLA Pawan Gupta, District Development Commissioner Udhampur Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary and Head of Departments of Forests and its allied wings besides senior officers of Tourism, PDD and PHE accompanied the Minister. Choudhary Lal Singh said that Mantalai, Sudhmahadev, Sanasar, Nathatop, Baghliar, Batote and Kud would be promoted as one tourism circuit with Patnitop as its central hub. He said Government is making all out efforts to develop all the spots like Sanasar and Patnitop as tourist hubs of the State by providing way side all facilities amenities to the visiting tourists. The Minister directed the tourism authorities to explore more potential for adventure tourism of Sanasar. He asked the Forest Department officers to establish an amusement park on the Sanasar-Patnitop road so that both areas were developed as family destinations. Emphasizing on the need to protect the forest wealth of the State from encroachments, Choudhary Lal Singh directed the officers of the Forest Department to conduct demarcation of forest land in their respective jurisdictions in a transparent manner so that encroachment can be curbed at all levels. He issued instructions to the Forest Department officers for making in and around areas of the Sansar Park and Patnitop polythene free. He also appealed the people not to dump waste in and around the public utlity areas of the State, adding that Government is committed to provide hygienic atmosphere to the general people. Expressing concern over the spurt in the incidence of forest fires, Choudhary Lal Singh directed the DFOs to take stern action against the mischief mongers involved in the forest fires so that the precious green gold is preserved from destruction. Reviewing the supply of timber in the region, the Minister vehemently stressed upon the officers of Forest Department to keep a close liaison with the SFC so that people do not face any timber shortage. He said that far-flung areas of the state need special attention as it is the priority of the Government to fetch them all the services at their doorsteps. Earlier, the Minister also laid foundation stone of Gangera Hills City Park at Udhampur. He asked the Forest Department authorities of Udhampur district to gear up men and machinery in developing the park within stipulated time frame on modern lines so that the people enjoyed their spare time with full joy there. Later, he also visited Mand Forest enclosure in Udhampur district and directed the DFO of the area to plant ornamental, fruit and devdar and kail plants there.
