KL Desk
JAMMU
Reiterating the need of preserving natural beauty of the State, chief minister, Omar Abdullah on said that in no way development of tourist infrastructure should interfere in the serenity and environment of tourist resorts.
Chairing the 6th meeting of Pahalgam Development Authority , Omar said that revival of tourism industry would generate wide-ranging economic activities for people and help in the growth of economy. However, he added that while planning tourist facilities, maintenance and conservation of environment and ecology should be of top most priority.
“People visit us for the natural beauty and scenic splendor God has bestowed on the State. It should be our prime duty to protect and preserve this novelty and specialty for present and future generation”, he said adding that eco-friendly tourism should be popularized and mass awareness created for conservation of State’s bio-diversity and ecology.
The meeting also discussed matters relating to up gradation of water supply and electricity facilities in Pahalgam and adjacent areas. It also discussed issues relating to drainage, beautification of Betab Valley, development of additional picnic spots and camping sites, disposal of garbage, development of walk-ways, registration of ponies and creating skiing slopes in Aru.
The Chief Minister said that skiers visiting Valley this winter would be send to Aru to ascertain the status of snow and the feasibility of creating skiing slopes in the area.
