Poonch, August 28,2026- The Jammu and Kashmir Government has sanctioned Rs 2.07 crore for the construction of a mega garden adjoining the historic Dera Nangali Sahib in Poonch, a move aimed at promoting religious tourism and enhancing facilities for devotees visiting the revered Sikh shrine.
A Boost for Religious Tourism
The sanctioned project envisages the development of a landscaped garden in the vicinity of Dera Nangali Sahib, one of the most significant Sikh religious sites in the Poonch district and a place of considerable spiritual importance for the community. Officials said the mega garden is expected to enhance the overall visitor experience at the shrine, providing devotees and tourists with a well-maintained, aesthetically developed space for reflection and recreation alongside their religious visit.
The initiative forms part of a broader push by the Union Territory administration to develop religious and heritage sites across Jammu and Kashmir as tourist destinations, with an eye toward boosting local economies in border districts through increased footfall of pilgrims and visitors.
Community Welcomes the Decision
Welcoming the government’s decision, Sikh religious and social organisations under the banner of the Dera Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (DGPC), Poonch, expressed their gratitude to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and local MLA Haveli, Ajaz Jan, for approving and facilitating the project.
Community representatives said the sanctioning of funds reflects the administration’s continued commitment to the development and preservation of religious heritage sites in the region, particularly those situated in border districts that have historically received limited infrastructural attention. They noted that the mega garden project would go a long way in improving the overall ambience of the shrine complex, making it more welcoming for devotees travelling from within Jammu and Kashmir as well as from other parts of the country.
Expected Benefits for the Region
According to community leaders, the project is expected to beautify the area surrounding Dera Nangali Sahib, improve amenities for devotees and visitors, and provide a significant boost to religious tourism in Poonch, a border district that has considerable untapped potential in this sector. They added that the development of such infrastructure could also generate local employment opportunities, both during the construction phase and subsequently through increased tourist and pilgrim activity in the area.
Officials associated with the project noted that improved facilities at religious sites often translate into longer visitor stays and increased local economic activity, benefiting small businesses, transport operators, and hospitality service providers in the vicinity.
Part of a Broader Development Push
The sanctioning of funds for the mega garden comes amid continued efforts by the Jammu and Kashmir administration to invest in the development of religious and cultural heritage sites across the Union Territory, recognising their potential to drive tourism-led economic growth, particularly in border and hill districts that have traditionally lagged behind in infrastructural development.
Local representatives expressed hope that the project would be executed in a time-bound manner, and called for continued attention to the maintenance and upkeep of religious sites in the district, given their significance both as places of worship and as potential drivers of tourism revenue for the local economy.
A Step Toward Inclusive Growth
The development at Dera Nangali Sahib is being viewed by community leaders as a step toward more inclusive growth in Poonch, ensuring that important religious and cultural landmarks receive the infrastructural support needed to serve both the local community and visiting devotees effectively. As work on the mega garden progresses, residents and religious organisations in the district are expected to continue engaging with the administration to ensure the project meets the community’s expectations