SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir administration is actively pursuing a phased development of tourism infrastructure and the restoration of heritage assets within the Tral constituency, with a number of key projects currently underway.
The Tourism Department confirmed its ongoing commitment to bolstering tourism facilities and enhancing the visitor experience across the Union Territory, specifically highlighting initiatives in Tral. These development efforts are strategically prioritised based on factors such as land availability, financial resources, and environmental considerations, particularly in the ecologically sensitive mountainous terrains. Consequently, these projects are being implemented progressively.
The Chenab Times has learned that as part of the current development drive, two new tourist cafeterias are under construction at Faiz Panah and Bajwani, intended to significantly improve amenities for visitors to the Tral region.
Furthermore, the government indicated that certain existing tourism assets within the constituency are undergoing a revival process, including a change in the executing agency for some facilities. This includes the restoration of four eco-log huts and a Tourist Facilitation Centre located at Shikargah, which were previously managed by the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation.
In the realm of heritage preservation, multiple projects are being undertaken utilizing the CAPEX budget. Restoration and improvement works at the significant Khankah Faiz Panah have reached approximately 60 percent completion, with an allocation of Rs 75 lakh dedicated to this project. This initiative aims to preserve a revered historical site.
Similarly, repair and renovation efforts at a monument situated at Narsingh Asthan in Pulwama have progressed to about 40 percent. The project, with an approved cost of Rs 172.29 lakh, has seen an initial release of Rs 17 lakh for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The work, initially handled by the Tourism Department, is being re-evaluated following departmental restructuring, with a new Detailed Project Report (DPR) currently being prepared by the Public Works (R and B) Department.
Another significant undertaking involves the development, restoration, and preservation of Nagbal Spring. This project has an approved cost of Rs 200 lakh, and Rs 58 lakh has already been released to facilitate its progress. The initiative seeks to enhance the natural and cultural appeal of the spring.
Under a distinct heritage conservation scheme, work has commenced at the Gufkral Archaeological Site, a notable Neolithic site. This project, budgeted at Rs 85 lakh, has achieved roughly 35 percent completion. The aim is to protect and showcase the historical significance of this ancient site.
Additionally, the restoration and revival of a temple located at Midoora in Awantipora, Pulwama, has been physically completed under the same heritage conservation scheme, marking a successful completion of a religious site’s preservation.
The government reiterated its commitment to developing tourism in Tral through a phased approach that prioritises environmental consciousness. The focus remains on enhancing infrastructure and the revival of both heritage and religious sites to promote sustainable tourism in the region.
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