Jammu, March 30: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated on Monday that tourism development projects in Jammu and Kashmir are being prioritised based on land availability, financial resources, and environmental considerations, with a particular focus on fragile mountain ecosystems.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Abdullah, who also holds the portfolio of Tourism Minister, made these remarks in the Legislative Assembly during Question Hour. He was responding to a query from MLA Tral Rafiq Ahmad Naik concerning the tourism sector, with specific reference to Naik’s constituency.
In response to a direct question regarding the government’s plans to promote or develop the heritage and natural sites of Tral, the Chief Minister reiterated the Tourism Department’s commitment to enhancing tourism infrastructure and improving visitor amenities at key tourist destinations across the Union Territory, including Tral.
“It is pertinent to mention that tourism development works are prioritised based on the availability of land, financial resources and environmental considerations, particularly in fragile mountain ecosystems,” Abdullah informed the assembly.
He added that development initiatives are undertaken in a phased manner, adhering to approved plans and budgetary allocations. To bolster tourism facilities in Tral constituency, two cafeterias are currently under construction at Faiz Panch and Bajwani by the Tourism Department, the Chief Minister reported.
Addressing another question about the government’s plan to take over existing defunct huts and cafeterias for timely revival within the constituency, Abdullah stated that the Tourism Department is in the process of acquiring several tourism assets from the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation. These assets include four Eco Log Huts and a Tourist Facilitation Centre at Shikargah.
“These assets will be revived and made operational in a phased manner after their formal takeover,” he assured the House.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Abdullah highlighted that the Department of Culture has initiated various measures for the promotion, preservation, and development of heritage and religious tourism sites throughout Jammu and Kashmir, encompassing Tral constituency.
“These works are being executed in a phased and time-bound manner under the capex budget, including works under capex and the scheme for revival, restoration, preservation and maintenance of architecture and heritage in Jammu and Kashmir,” he explained. The aim of these initiatives is to safeguard the region’s rich cultural and architectural heritage while promoting heritage and religious tourism in a planned and sustainable fashion.
The Chenab Times News Desk