SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has planned tourism infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 58 crore in Kupwara district as part of efforts to promote border and eco-tourism in destinations such as Lolab Valley, Bangus Valley, Keran, Machil and Teetwal, the Centre informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
Replying to an unstarred question by Rajya Sabha member Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan on the promotion of tourism in Kupwara, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the development and promotion of tourist destinations is primarily the responsibility of the concerned state government or Union Territory administration. However, he said the Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance under schemes such as Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development and PRASHAD, subject to project proposals, availability of funds and other guidelines.
The minister said the Jammu and Kashmir administration is pursuing the planned and sustainable development of Kupwara’s emerging tourist destinations by focusing on eco-tourism, border tourism, adventure tourism and community-based tourism.
According to the reply, the proposed projects include the construction and upgradation of Tourist Facilitation Centres, Tourist Reception Centres, guest houses, tourist huts, interpretation centres, cafeterias and public convenience facilities at Teetwal, Keran, Karnah, Machil, Lolab, Bangus, Zachaldara, Langate and Handwara.
Among the projects are a Tourist Facilitation Centre at Teetwal, development of tourism facilities in Keran, renovation of guest houses and huts in Lolab, upgradation of tourism infrastructure at Zachaldara, Langate and Handwara, and improvements to facilities on the route to Bangus.
The Centre also said the J&K Tourism Department has undertaken promotional initiatives to position Kupwara as a border and eco-tourism destination, including International Yoga Day celebrations, familiarisation tours to Keran, the annual Lolab-Bangus Festival, promotion of border destinations and participation in national and international tourism fairs. These initiatives are aimed at improving visitor experience, generating local employment and promoting sustainable tourism.
The minister further informed the House that the Ministry of Tourism continues to promote destinations across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, through marketing initiatives in key domestic and international markets.
