Manasbal to be major tourist destination in Kashmir

Srinagar, June 7 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir government has initiated measures to develop the Manasbal Lake, about 30 km from here, as one of the major tourist destinations in the Valley.

The state government had recently announced setting up of the Wullar-Manasbal Development Authority.

The Tourism Department had appointed experts who were formulating a comprehensive development scheme to develop the Lake.

The department has sought the help of the people to remove encroachments around the Lake and the locals have assured they would remove these within seven days.

It has also ordered cleaning in and around the Lake and the ban on use of polythene in the area.

Giving details, Director Tourism Farooq Ahmed Shah said on the instructions of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and his deputy Muzaffar Hussain Baig, who also heads the Tourism Department, an integrated development project was underway to make Mansabal a favourite tourist destination.

He said a project report was being prepared which would suggest ways and means for overall development of the Manasbal area.

Mr Shah said his department has put experts on job to formulate a comprehensive strategy for its development.

Mansbal has tremendous tourist potential and given its proximity to Srinagar, it could be sold as one of the best tourist destinations in the state, the director added.

In the beginning, Mr Shah said, the department would construct public conveniences and shelter sheds in the area.

''During this year, Rs one crore will be spent for developing shelter sheds, public conveniences and parking areas. Efforts will also be made to remove encroachments from the Lake,'' he added.

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