Kishtwar (Jammu Division)
KISHTWAR, Aug 18: The Government of India (GoI) is all set to auction world's finest Sapphire mines of Jammu's Paddar area of Kishtwar district in a “scientific way”.
This was stated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha after paying obeisance at holy Shri Chandi Mata Machail shrine located near Sapphire mines.
Sinha expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India for extending the support for survey, gemmological studies of Sapphire mines.
“In next one year, we will be in a position to auction the Sapphire mines in a scientific way that will give a boost to the local economy and it will also become one of the major contributors of growth of the Jammu region,” he said.
Notably, on May 17, 2013, a 19.88 carat cushion-shaped sapphire from Paddar in Kishtwar of Jammu Division that was eponymously passed on with titular tag ‘Star of Kashmir' had smashed all records after it was sold for $3,483,017 (nearly Rs 20 crore) at an auction in Geneva.
Earlier, Sinha paid obeisance at Holy Mata Machail Shrine and he was flanked by Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary Higher Education Department; Mukesh Singh, ADGP Jammu, Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor and Sunil Sharma, former Minister.
Taking an appraisal of the facilities extended to the pilgrims, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha during his visit to Shri Chandi Mata Machail Shrine in Kishtwar district on Friday said that enhanced facilities have spurred the influx of pilgrims and this year the figure has crossed more than one lakh.
“The resolve of the UT Administration to ensure smooth and seamless pilgrimage for the devotees,” Sinha reiterated while speaking on the measures taken to strengthen the infrastructure and facilities for Holy Machail Mata pilgrimage. “Construction of road, solar power and tented accommodation for pilgrims has spurred the influx and this year's figure has already crossed more than one lakh pilgrims,” he added.
At Gulabgarh Paddar, the Lt Governor addressed the representatives of PRIs and the citizens and shared the efforts of the UT Administration for holistic development of Kishtwar. He said the administration is committed to equitable development, meeting the needs of the communities and ensuring that no section of society is left behind.
Addressing the issues put forth by PRIs and the locals, the Lt Governor assured time-bound and appropriate action on all public demands projected during the interaction. He also directed the Principal Secretaries Higher Education and Public Works (R&B) to take concrete measures, in consultation with all stakeholders, to address the concerning issue of their respective departments at the earliest. He sought active participation of PRIs and the people in implementation of all the initiatives of the UT Administration to push forward the development of Kishtwar. He also called upon the youth of the district to avail the benefits and incentives under homestay schemes of the government.
The Lt Governor also visited the Buddhist Gompa at Paddar, where he sought blessings of the Lord Buddha and interacted with the members of the Buddhist community.
“Buddhist community is an integral and equal part of our society. They have all the rights to the resources. Administration will provide all possible assistance for the all round growth and empowerment of the families,” the Lt Governor said.
Students of Government Degree College and Himalayan Cultural School Gulabgarh presented the Padari and Buddhist folk dance performances.
