| Ghat where first Maharaja got 'Raj Tilak', dying 'slow death' | | |  Early Times Report
Akhnoor, Apr 14: The tall claims of Jammu and Kashmir Government of boosting and promoting tourism sector stand completely exposed as one of the most prominent tourist spots 'Jia Pota Ghat' situated along the bank of Chenab river here is dying a 'slow death'.
Founder of Jammu and Kashmir state, Maharaja Gulab Singh, the first Maharaja (King) was administered 'Raj Tilak' by the Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh at 'Jia Pota Ghat' on June 17, 1822 AD.
'Jia Pota Ghat' is one of the many Ghats situated on the right bank of mighty River Chenab, the other being Pehra, Gurgi Pattan and Harmandar (named after Hari Mandir) situated downstream.
The Ghat got its name from the 'Jia Pota' tree the botanical name of which is 'Putranjiva Roxburghii' of Euphorbiaceae family under the shade of which the Raj Tilak ceremony of Maharaja Gulab Singh took place.
Despite being one of the most prestigious places having its historical importance of the state, the 'Ghat' is getting no attention of the authorities concerned (State Tourism Department) and has gradually started losing its sheen.
Although, the 'Ghat' falls among the top most tourist destinations of the guide prepared by none other than Jammu Tourism Department itself, the place now a days welcomes tourists (local, non locals) with filth, dump of garbage, dilapidated washrooms, shabby stairs along the bank of Chenab with no safety measures in place.
''The 'Ghat' was developed on the pattern of 'Harki Poudi' situated along the bank of River Ganga in Haridwar and on holy occasions like Navratras and Sankranti, evening 'Aarti' is also performed here but unfortunately, there is no caretaker of the spot, which has left it to God's mercy,'' Ravinder Sharmaa shopkeeper told .
He alleged that except on the occasions like Navratras, Baisakhi or Jammu Festival, nobody bothers to visit the place for its maintenance and development.
''The first impression is the last would not be a wrong saying for 'Jia Pota Ghat' as visitors are not welcomed here in a traditional manner but by stray dogs, garbage heaps and litter, thus exposing the seriousness of J&K Tourism Department in boosting the sector,'' Arvind Samyala student rued.
He said, ''tourism is one of the biggest sectors of any state that generates economy and opens avenues for unemployed but the government hardly seems to be concerned in giving due share to tourism sector.''
''Apart from worn-out look at the site, there is hardly any preventive measures taken along the bank of the River as it is sometimes fatal for the visitors particularly the kids in view of fast water currents,'' Sandeep Mishra, a security personnel stationed in Jammu, who had come to the place for an outing with family said.
''The authorities concerned should at least cover the stairs close to the river with a mesh or by installing chains. There is also need of expert divers and life jackets available. |
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