SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has said it will restrict large-scale construction and hotels in eco-fragile tourism areas, including Bungus and other high-altitude meadows, while focusing on basic visitor facilities and environmental safeguards.
The Tourism Department made the statement in its reply to an unstarred question raised by Kupwara MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz on tourism development in the district.
The Government said its approach was aimed at preserving the natural environment, local heritage and traditional character of areas being developed as tourist destinations.
The proposed infrastructure in such areas includes basic visitor amenities, solar lighting, waste-management facilities and signage, while community participation is proposed through registered homestays and paying-guest accommodation.
The Government said tourism infrastructure projects in eco-fragile areas would be taken up subject to mandatory environmental clearances. These include Forest Department no-objection certificates through the PARIVESH portal wherever applicable.
Bungus is among the destinations identified for tourism infrastructure development in Kupwara, along with Sadbaran-Kalaroos, Wayun, Lolab, Sadhna Pass, Keran, Seemab, Drangyari and Machil.
The Government said the Tourism Development Authorities would prepare and implement infrastructure projects within their respective notified jurisdictions.
The reply also stated that the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation has a mandate to provide boarding and lodging facilities to tourists and visitors.
The Government’s position comes as tourism infrastructure works continue across Kupwara, with 37 projects listed in an annexure to the Assembly reply. These include facilities and visitor amenities at destinations such as Keran, Teetwal, Lolab, Bungus and Zangli.
Among the ongoing projects is a Rs 97 lakh package for developing Keran as an offbeat destination, covering toilet facilities, a tuck shop, signage, solid-waste management, shelter sheds and gazebos, selfie points, lighting, hiking trails and a children’s recreation zone.
The department has also listed an Rs 80 lakh Tourist Facilitation Centre at Teetwal and other works aimed at improving tourist facilities in the district.
The Government said development would have to be balanced with protection of environmentally sensitive areas and their local character.
