A park each for ladies, children in J

Jammu, July 10 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir Government would construct one ladies' park and one children park in each district of the state besides creating ultra-modern infrastructure for the development of tourism , This was stated by tourism secretary, Nayeem Akhtar while reviewing the developmental work in the tourism sector here yesterday. He said that state tourism department was geared to tap huge tourist potential, and efforts were on to identify virgin lands to be developed as new tourist destination in the state.

He directed the officials concerned for early completion of project reports in case of identified sites and expedite work on the projects which have been approved.

While elaborating on the steps being taken for promotion of tourism in the state, Mr Nayeem said 50 tourist villages would be set up in the state besides constituting 19 new Tourism Development Authorities at Patnitop, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Lakhanpal-Sarthal, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Kokernagjt which would not only provide direct and indirect job avenues for unemployed youth in the state but also help them develop their skills through courses imparted by the Institute for Hotel Management, Srinagar, he added.

He said the government will also help agents to market and promote tourist destination of the state besides developing pilgrimage circuit for Amarnath and Hazratbal.

Mr Nayeem said another tourist circuit covering Lakhanpur- Basoli-Bani-Bhaderwah-Kishtwar-Sinthan-Srinagar has been taken up, adding that capacity building programmes for waiters, housemen, chambermaid, bellboy and other service providers have been launched at Pahalgam and Patnitop, and five villages have been taken up under the Rural Tourism Scheme of Union Ministry of Tourism.

He said till few years back, tourism was limited to Srinagar-Pahalgam-Gulmarg, known as Golden Triangle in kashmir region, Patnitop in Jammu region and highland tourism in ladakh.

However, the government has now focused on new areas which will not only reduce burden at the known tourist places but would also help in improving the economy of other areas of the state.

The department, he said, has identified 20 rural tourist villages in Jammu region and the list has been forwarded to the union ministry for approval.

UNI RKS SHR VA DS1210