Jammu- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that the administration is committed to strengthening religious tourism and preserving cultural heritage in Jammu & Kashmir.

Speaking at the foundation day of Purmandal-Utterbehni Teerth Seva Nyas in Samba district, Sinha said that about 62 important religious and historical sites have been restored in Jammu and Kashmir in the last four years and reiterated his commitment to transforming Purmandal into a world-class spiritual destination for sustainable and culturally rich religious tourism.

Sinha called Purmandal-Utterbehni a convergence point of tradition and spiritual learning, describing the region as a symbol of unity and self-realisation.“It is a sacred pilgrimage that fosters love, respect and brotherhood and embodies the soul of our eternal culture,” he said.

He said that the administration would adopt a coordinated approach to conserve and develop the area's spiritual infrastructure. Responding to demands raised by the Teerth Seva Trust, the LG instructed the district administration to identify land for a new Ved Vidyalaya and stated that the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board would fund its establishment. He also assured financial support for a Gurukul or Sanskrit Pathshala.

Sinha added that the administration will pursue the proposal to connect Purmandal with a four-lane road through the central government.

He commended the Purmandal-Utterbehni Teerth Seva Nyas, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and other organisations for their role in strengthening cultural preservation and urged community participation in protecting natural heritage.

Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma, DDC Chairperson Samba Keshav Dutt Sharma, and other public representatives, officials, and community leaders attended the event alongside a large number of devotees.

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