UDHAMPUR : Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr Raghav Langer on Monday launched the Tourist village Panchari under the tourism development program launched by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor.

The Tourist village was launched at an impressive function organized by the District Administration in the premises of Sankri Devta. Divisional Commissioner Jammu was the chief guest and launched the project.

Addressing the gathering, the Div Com appreciated the efforts of District Administration Udhampur (DC, other district officers) for taking lead in the launch of the tourist village project in the Union territory. The Div Com said that the other districts/ DCs will also replicate it.

The Div Com informed that 75 villages in the UT will be developed as model tourist villages, earlier the home stay was also offered by the Tourism department but DC Udhampur took the lead and started a home stay scheme in this village.

Dr Langer said that during their visit tourists will really enjoy the home stay, simple living and learn about the Dogra culture and cuisine. He also said that the next generation will also learn about the real Dogra culture/Heritage by visiting the tourist village

He urged the entrepreneurs/ youth to start a home stay system at their own level for which the Deputy Commissioners of Jammu division and tourism officers have already been asked to extend handholding to the owner for developing better facilities for the tourists.

Dr Langer said that Panchari block will become one of the best Tourist destinations of UT of J&K in near future. He asked the DC to personally monitor the development works in the area to ensure better road connectivity, water, power provisions etc.

While speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, Indu Kanwal Chib thanked and welcomed Div Com for launching this tourist village development project.

The DC also gave a detailed resume on the facilities in the proposed tourist village. She said these tourist villages will open in twin blocks of Panchari and Moungri. The DC asked PRIs of Moungri to identify locations for home stays of tourists. The DC asked the public of Panchari to strictly follow Covid appropriate behaviour like wearing face mask, social distancing,. She informed that in the first phase the District Administration has selected three villages for developing as tourist villages in the district. She asked the PRIs to identify more tourist villages in their respective blocks. The DC congratulated the general public of Panchari.

After launching the Tourism village Panchari under Tourism Development program, the Div Com paid obeisance at Historical Sankri Devta.

The Div Com also inaugurated the home stay facility and visited Home stay and interacted with home stay owners at Sankri and inspected the facilities being provided to the tourists.

The Div Com also interacted with Youth club members, Local Artists and sports persons. During the program, the youtubers and Bloggers also shared his/ her experience. The Div Com Jammu also released a booklet on the tourist village development program on the occasion.

On the occasion, a special presentation of scintillating cultural programmes featuring Kud Dance, Desi Paakh, Geetru, depicting the tradition of the area was also held which was highly appreciated by the chief guest and audiences with repeated round of applause.

On the occasion, a documentary being prepared by Department of Information and Public Relations Udhampur Centre was also launched and the Div Com appreciated the efforts of Information department for showcasing tourist village Panchari through documentary.

The DDC Chairperson, Udhampur, Lal Chand; Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF), K Ramesh Kumar; BDC Panchari, Jeevan Sharma; BDC, Udhampur Balwan Singh; DDC, Dudu -Basantgarh, Ashri Devi besides Divisional level and District heads of various departments were present on the occasion.

During the program, the Department of Youth Services and Sports Department organized rural sports competitions like Kabaddi, Tug of war by involving different schools of the area. The Div Com alongwith Departmental heads and PRIs members also participated in Tug of war competition.

Pertinently, the village is a hill resort covered with rich conifer forest on the side, a small township on the other side. It is surrounded by Natha Top on the East, Saroli Dhar on the West, Shankhpaul Dhar on the north and Kainth Gali on the South.

Located at a distance of around 35 KM from Udhampur town, Panchari is an ideal place for Trekking, Camping and offers small getaways to the lap of nature away from the city life. The District administration urged the tourists to come and enjoy this unexplored beauty of nature at Tourist Village Panchari.