KL NEWS NETWORK
SRINAGAR
The members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Tourism, Transport and Culture headed by Kiranmay Nanda, MP, called on the Chief Minister, Ms Mehbooba Mufti here last evening and discussed various issues pertaining to development of state-of-the-art tourism infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
Interacting with the Parliamentary delegation, the Chief Minister said J&K Government is in the process of developing new tourist destinations in the State for which it needs adequate financial support from the central government for infrastructure development, an official spokesperson said this afternoon.
She, however, made it clear that the Government won’t allow vandalizing of these new resorts as has, unfortunately, happened with some of the most cherished tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir.
“We would allow only development of eco-friendly infrastructure at the upcoming tourist destinations like Tosamaidan, Ranjit Sagar Dam, Mughal Road and Bangus Valley and try to develop local economic stakes in tourism promotion,” she said and added that tourism is “directly linked to economic revival” and J&K has been gifted by the God with breathtaking scenic beauty which needs to be harnessed judiciously for tourism promotion.
Maintaining that violence was hurting the State’s economic interests the most with tourism being the biggest casualty, the Chief Minister sought support of the people in maintaining peace.
“Unfortunately, the state’s tourism and business fraternity has to suffer the brunt when atmosphere of peace is disturbed in the valley by violent incidents,” she said.
The Chief Minister hailed the local stakeholders associated with travel and tourism industry for playing a key role in the promotion of tourism. She said tourism spreads best by the word of mouth and the players associated with the industry have played a key role in establishing a feel-good factor among the tourists.
The Chief Minister, who also holds the charge of the Tourism portfolio, said the department is conceptualizing a plan to promote niche tourism activities in the State including border tourism, religious tourism and adventure tourism.
