Centre's full assistance to J

Srinagar, June 11 (UNI) Union Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni today gave an assured that the Centre will provide full assistance to the twelve tourism authorities being institutionalised by the Jammu and Kashmir government.

Ms Soni, who arrived here on a two-day visit to the state to review the central government schemes, said these authorities should become key drivers of development and tourism in Kashmir.

She had a detailed discussion with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on development and creation of tourism infrastructure in the state and its promotion and marketing in domestic and international markets.

During the visit, she reviewed development in Gulmarg and laid down specific time-frame for completion of the Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering building.

Ms Soni said the Union Tourism Ministry would be the state government's partner in creating world class infrastructure and showcasing Gulmarg as a unique skiing destination.

The Centre has already provided assistance for development of a unique golf course in Gulmarg, she added.

In her meeting with Mr Azad, it was decided that hotel building of the India Tourism Development Corporation will be re-designed and completed expeditiously to provide impetus to tourism. This hotel infrastructure would ensure creation of additional accommodation facility in Gulmarg. The Union Minister also visited the world's highest Gondola in Gulmarg.

Ms Soni highlighted that tourism has huge multiplier impact and has major employment creation possibility. This would be utilised in creating employment in Kashmir, she added.

A series of capacity building programmes for hotel management, chefs and waiters will be launched in collaboration with the government to create employment in the state.

She also discussed with Mr Azad the roadmap for development of 50 rural tourism villages across the state. The Union Tourism Ministry has already provided assistance for development of Drung in Baramulla, Surinsar and Jhiri in Jammu, Gagangir, Sonamarg in Srinagar and Pahalgam in Anantnag.

During the tenth plan, the Centre has provided major assistance to Jammu and Kashmir in building tourism infrastructure.

The key projects for which assistance has been provided are development of Khir Bhawani, Baba Reshi, Mattan shrine, strengthening of infrastructure on Shri Amarnathji yatra circuit, integrated development of tourist circuit of Lavdora-Qazigund, Hazratbal and Shamas-ud-Din Iraqi Hassan Villa.

During 2005-06, the Union Tourism Ministry has provided central assistance to an extent of Rs 66 crore, the highest given to any state in the country.

The key schemes sanctioned during 2005-06 are integrated Development of Jammu, Rajouri-Poonch, tourist circuit of Baltal-Holy Cave-Panchtarni-Sheshnag-Pahalgam, development of Bhadarwah-Kishtwar-Sinthan-Srinagar.

Ms Soni will visit Ladakh tomorrow to inaugurate the Sindhu Darshan-Singhey Khababs festival.

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