SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has said there is currently no proposal to establish a separate Tourism Development Authority for Karnah constituency, despite acknowledging the area’s considerable tourism potential.
The Tourism Department gave the information in response to Un-starred Diary No. 1/6/184 tabled by Karnah MLA Javaid Ahmad Mirchal in the J&K Legislative Assembly.
In its reply, the department said Karnah has considerable tourism potential because of its scenic landscapes, natural attractions and rich cultural heritage. It identified several tourist and pilgrimage destinations in the constituency, including Budnambal/Bunnamal, Teetwal, Gabra, Sadhna Top, Sharda Temple and the Kishanganga River and adjoining areas.
According to the department, these locations have potential for nature, adventure, border, cultural and pilgrimage tourism.
The Government, however, said only a few villages of Karnah constituency currently fall within the jurisdiction of the Lolab-Bangus Development Authority.
Mirchal had also asked whether a separate Tourism Development Authority was considered necessary for sustainable tourism development in the constituency.
In response, the Tourism Department stated that no proposal regarding the establishment or creation of a separate Tourism Development Authority for Karnah was under consideration.
The MLA further sought to know whether the Government intended to establish a separate tourism authority for the constituency during the current financial year in view of the Chief Minister’s commitment in this regard.
The department gave the same response, stating that no such proposal was under consideration.
The reply was issued by the Tourism Department on behalf of the Minister in-charge.
