Swadesh Darshan Scheme falls short as Bahu Fort’s Musical Fountain struggles for survival

High booking costs, poor planning leave cultural showcases abandoned

JAMMU: The Aquaplex Crown Musical Fountain, located in Bagh-e-Bahu near the historic Bahu Fort, was inaugurated with much fanfare and heralded as a milestone in Jammu’s tourism sector.
Designed as a cultural showcase of the region's rich heritage, including folk dances, music, contemporary theatre, and cinema, it was expected to draw significant local and foreign tourist attention.
However, just a few years later, this ambitious project stands abandoned, neglected, and deserted, a stark reminder of unfulfilled potential.
Inaugurated in February 2022, the fountain was envisioned to be a hub of cultural activity, blending technology and tradition to create a unique attraction. However, several factors have contributed to its inability to resonate with the masses.
According to Sapna Soni, a senior theatre director and national film artist, the primary reason for its failure is the high cost of hiring the venue, making it inaccessible to the general public and organizations. “The astronomical cost of booking burns a big hole in the pocket,” Soni remarked, adding that theatre and cinema in Jammu have yet to establish themselves as profitable mediums that can sustain such ventures.
One of the most glaring oversights in the project was the lack of a power backup system in the original Detailed Project Report (DPR). This omission proved to be a critical flaw, as the fountain’s initial performances were marred by frequent power outages.
Without a backup plan, shows were often abruptly canceled, leaving audiences disappointed and disillusioned. Despite requests from electrical engineers for a dedicated power transmission line from the Power Development Department (PDD), the proposal was not considered.
The absence of a power backup raised serious questions about the competence of the officials involved in the project’s planning and execution. While the Tourism, Power Development, and Jal Shakti Departments worked together to complete the project, this oversight has severely undermined its functionality and appeal.
Efforts to revive the project have been lackluster. In a media interaction, Director Tourism Jammu, Vivekanand Rai, had announced plans to upgrade the fountain by introducing daytime activities in addition to evening shows.
Yet, these efforts have yielded minimal results. The venue remains underutilized, hosting only a handful of government functions and school trips, where children are charged Rs. 50 per ticket while adults pay Rs. 100.
The original vision for the project included photo sessions, picnics during the day, laser shows in the evening, and the screening of regional or Bollywood movies. However, such activities have rarely, if ever, been organized.
“Only a few bravehearts who can afford the exorbitant booking fees have held events here,” lamented Ravi Sharma, a local film producer and director.
The project was developed under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, an initiative by the Government of India aimed at integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits. Built at a cost of approximately ₹10 crores, the fountain was expected to attract both locals and tourists, offering a seating capacity of 400 people and incorporating features like laser shows, projection mapping, and a dancing musical fountain.
Despite its immense potential, the fountain has failed to become the cultural and tourist hub it was intended to be. The lack of consistent programming, high booking costs, and infrastructural deficiencies have alienated potential patrons and left the venue in a state of neglect.
To salvage this initiative, a comprehensive strategy is needed to address its shortcomings. Reducing booking costs, ensuring reliable power backup, and actively promoting the venue through partnerships with local cultural organizations could help breathe new life into the project.
Additionally, integrating regular events like film screenings, theatre performances, and cultural festivals could make the venue a vibrant center of activity, drawing locals and tourists alike.
With Jammu witnessing progressive developments, revitalizing this project could not only enhance the region’s cultural appeal but also reaffirm the government’s commitment to sustainable tourism.

Updated On 11/30/2024 4:33:26 AM