The Union Ministry for Tourism and Culture will spend Rs 1 crore for the development and upgradation of the Hazratbal shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. The decision was taken after Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Syeed met Union Minister Jagmohan on Tuesday to discuss tourism projects proposed by the Ministry for J-K. Speaking about the project, Jagmohan said: ‘‘The Ministry has allocated Rs 1 crore for the environmental upgradation of the Hazratbal shrine. I have also written a letter to CM Sayeed today, asking him to submit a proper plan and estimates so that the necessary sanctions could be issued and the amount placed at the disposal of the state ministry.’’ The Minister said: ‘‘We have also planned to pave a better road leading to the shrine to make visits easier. The area around the shrine will be landscaped and beautified.’’ A sum of Rs 1 crore has also been promised by the Auqaf and the Hazrat Bal Trust, to be spent on shrine upgradation. This separate amount has been sanctioned by the state Ministry of Development.
