Maharaja Ranjit Singh had solemnised the coronation of Raja Gulab Singh as Maharaja of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir at Jia Pota on June 17, 1822.
Minister for Health, Horticulture and Flori-culture, Sham Lal Sharma was chief guest on the occasion.
Paying rich tributes to Maharaja Gulab Singh, the minister said the late king's contribution to Jammu and Kashmir would remain etched in the minds of every person of the state.
Highlighting the historical importance of Akhnoor town, Sham said that the government has decided to ensure development of the town.
Various schemes in Public Health Engineering, Tourism, Education, Health and other sectors have been started in this regard, he said.
He said the government had also planned to set up a Dogra library in Akhnoor.
Sham said that efforts were being made to restore the glory of heritage sites to attract more tourists.