JAMMU, Aug 7 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday inaugurated the newly developed ‘Waste to Wonder’ Park at Bhagwati Nagar, describing it as a landmark tourism project that will enhance Jammu’s appeal beyond its traditional identity as the “City of Temples.”
Speaking at the inauguration, Abdullah said the Government is committed to unlocking the tourism potential of every region in Jammu and Kashmir by creating unique attractions that encourage visitors to spend more time in the Union Territory.
He said that while Jammu is primarily known for pilgrims visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and other temples, tourists also seek distinctive recreational destinations.
“This park is a unique addition to Jammu’s tourism landscape. It has been developed on a site that served as a garbage dumping ground just two years ago and has now been transformed into an attractive public space,” the Chief Minister said.
The park features replicas of 14 world-famous monuments, including the White House, Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, Bhutan’s Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Statue of Unity, Hawa Mahal, Agra Fort, Taj Mahal and the iconic Chenab Rail Bridge. It also includes children’s play areas, a small boating lake and food stalls offering local delicacies such as rajma-chawal.
In a lighter moment, Abdullah joked that the event was being held “right in front of the residence of the President of the United States,” referring to the replica of the White House, adding that visitors might even spot US President Donald Trump behind one of its windows.
Highlighting the Government’s broader tourism strategy, the Chief Minister referred to two recent Cabinet decisions aimed at strengthening tourism infrastructure. These include leasing the old ITDC hotel in Gulmarg to private investors for 40 years and redeveloping the Mantalai Yoga Centre in Udhampur district as a wellness tourism destination.
He said the Mantalai project, originally established by Dhirendra Brahmachari, would help transform the remote hilly area into a major wellness tourism hub.
Responding to questions on the recent flash floods in Rajouri and Poonch districts, Abdullah expressed grief over the loss of lives and assured all possible support to affected families.
He said the floods had caused extensive damage to residential houses, agricultural land, standing crops, livestock and infrastructure belonging to departments such as Public Works (R&B), Jal Shakti and Power.
“The Government will prepare a comprehensive relief package and approach the Central Government for special financial assistance to restore damaged infrastructure and rehabilitate affected people,” he said.
The Chief Minister declined to comment on political matters, saying the occasion was meant to focus on Jammu’s development initiatives, including the Smart City project, electric buses and the newly inaugurated Waste to Wonder Park.
