Bhalla Criticizes BJP for Ignoring Bagh-e-Bhau Circuit
Congress leaders, including Raman Bhalla, express concerns over the neglect of the Bagh-e-Bhau pilgrim-tourist circuit, blaming BJP for deteriorating conditions.
Duggar Samvad 
BJP’s negligence towards the Bagh-e-Bhau pilgrim-tourist circuit has sparked outrage among Congress leaders. On September 25th, Congress Working President Raman Bhalla, along with former ministers Yogesh Sawhney and Yash Pal Kundal, visited the area to assess the deteriorating conditions of the tourist court.
During their visit, Bhalla and his team expressed alarm over the disrepair of crucial roadways connecting significant tourist spots, including Balidaan Stambh, Har Ki Poudi, and Harbal Garden. They slammed the BJP-led government for a decade of neglect that has led to the current state of disrepair.
Bhalla attributed the poor conditions to the BJP, a party that has been in power for over ten years, since the project was initiated and successfully completed by the Congress before 2014. He stated, “The entire tourist circuit has faced continuous neglect, worsened by the recent heavy rains and floods.”
The Congress leaders raised concerns over the dilapidated infrastructure from Balidaan Stambh to Harbal Garden and urged for immediate repairs and restoration. They criticized the government for failing to conduct regular maintenance and upgrades, which has resulted in severe deterioration of the roads pivotal for pilgrims and tourists.
Bhalla added, “The negligence shows a lack of commitment towards the local population and the needs of pilgrims.” He specified further that the government has not only failed in maintaining the circuit but has also let down the objectives of promoting tourism and beautifying Jammu city.
“The BJP has deluded the people with empty slogans and false promises concerning the development of tourist destinations, which have not materialized during their tenure,” he claimed.
In addition to Bhalla, prominent Congress leaders such as Diwan Chand, Latish Sharma, and Mangat Ram participated in the visit to shed light on the dire situation. They collectively emphasized that the claims made by the BJP regarding development and smart city initiatives have been exposed as failures, especially evidenced by the recent calamities faced by the regions.
The Congress delegation urged immediate action governed by accountability, stating, “The BJP administration has squandered opportunities that could have uplifted Jammu as a premier tourist destination.”
Local residents have expressed frustration about the BJP’s lapse in addressing these crucial areas effectively. Many voiced their concerns that the lack of development undermines the potential economic benefits from tourist sites, ultimately worsening their quality of life.
As the call for action grows louder, the Congress leaders continue to rally for better management and restoration of the Bagh-e-Bhau pilgrim-tourist circuit—their aim to restore its integrity and significance as a vital part of the Jammu tourism landscape.
