SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Monday said that it intends to promote adventure and border tourism in the frontier areas of North Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
The Minister-In-Charge of the Tourism Department, while responding to queries put forth by MLA Sajad Gani Lone, informed the Legislative Assembly that the major focus areas include Teetwal, Keran, and Bungus.
“The government aims to promote tourism by developing hiking trails, illumination, and signage, with additional efforts to promote border tourism by enhancing connectivity, visitor facilities, and recreational infrastructure. Rs 242.88 lakh has already been allocated to upgrade the tourism infrastructure in these areas.”
The Minister informed that the government has undertaken several promotional activities and festivals to highlight the unique culture and traditions of the Kashmir Valley, thereby attracting more visitors to Kupwara.
“Among the notable events organised were the ‘Border Tourism Festival’ at Teetwal on September 7, 2022, a Familiarisation (FAM) Tour for National and Local Media to Keran on August 9, 2023, Bungus Festival on September 10, 2023, and the Lolab Festival on January 11, 2025,” he said, adding that these events have significantly improved tourist inflow and boosted the local economy.
“The government is also focusing on developing major tourist destinations like Bungus, Teetwal, and Keran to promote adventure and border tourism,” he added.
The Minister further stated that the Tourism Department has developed several infrastructure facilities in Kupwara to enhance visitor experiences.
The key assets established in the district, he said, include Reshwari hutments in Qalambad, TRC Kupwara hutments/office building, Kothdaji hutments in Kathdaji Mawar, TIC Zangli, Khumriyal Hutments in Kupwara, Lalpora Hutments in Lolab, Chandigam hutments in Sogam, Devar hutments in Sogam, Drangyari hutments in Kralpora, Reddi hutments in Kralpora, a Public Park at Sogam, Dardpora Hut in Lolab, and hutments at Sonmullah in Tarathpora.
The Minister informed the House about various ongoing projects under the Capex Budget for the current financial year.
“The projects include the construction of the Tourist Facilitation Centre (TFC) at Teetwal at a cost of Rs. 79.34 lakh, upgradation of Keran Valley infrastructure including the construction of a toilet complex, tuck shop, signage, solid waste management, selfie points, and hiking trails at a cost of Rs. 93.91 lakh, and upgradation of Bungus Kupwara infrastructure involving the construction of a toilet complex, tuck shop, shelter sheds, gazebos, and hiking trails at a cost of Rs. 69.63 lakh, besides others,” he added. (KNO)
