SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department is developing and promoting new tourist destinations in Bandipora constituency, including Athwatoo, Wular Lake, Watlab and adjoining areas, as part of efforts to diversify the tourism circuit and promote lesser-known locations.
In a written reply to a starred question by Bandipora MLA Nizam-ud-din Bhat, the Government said several projects had been taken up in the constituency, including a tourist cafeteria at Watlab in Village Khensusa, Watapora Park, Wular Vantage Park at Garoora and budget accommodation at Athwatoo.
The department said it was also promoting Zurimanz, Wular Vantage Park and Watlab along with Wular Lake for nature, eco, adventure, water-based and rural tourism.
During the current financial year, the Government has approved construction of viewpoints along both banks of Nallah Bunar from Chandaji village downwards at an estimated cost of Rs 50 lakh under the Priority Works Plan. The Detailed Project Report is currently under preparation.
A Water Sports Centre-cum-Boat Club at Wular Lake is also being taken up during the current financial year, the reply said.
At the wider Union Territory level, the Tourism Department said it was developing and promoting emerging destinations including Aharbal, Bangus, Gurez, Tosamaidan, Daksum, Chatpal, Sanasar, Basohli, Rajouri, Mansar, Baradari, Suchetgarh and Poonch.
The Government said the expansion of the tourism circuit was intended to ease pressure on established destinations while encouraging tourism in lesser-known areas.
It also said existing tourist destinations across J&K were being progressively upgraded, with carrying-capacity assessment of overburdened sites being undertaken during 2026-27.
The planned interventions include improvements to public conveniences, drinking water facilities, seating, signage and visitor information, besides basic infrastructure, landscaping and beautification.
The Government said viewpoints, recreational and interpretation facilities would be developed wherever feasible and environmentally appropriate. It also plans to promote eco-tourism, nature, adventure, rural and water-based tourism according to the carrying capacity of individual destinations.
Measures for cleanliness, sanitation, waste management and environmental sustainability, along with low-impact tourism infrastructure, are also part of the development plans.
The department said homestays, local guiding and other tourism-linked livelihood activities would be promoted, with greater participation of local communities in tourism development.
According to the reply, funding for these activities is being provided through the Annual Capex Budget and applicable Central Sector Schemes of the Government of India, including Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD and PMDP. The department said convergence with other concerned departments and agencies would also be undertaken wherever required.
The reply was signed by the Minister in-charge of the Tourism Department on September 22, 2026.
