Virgin Kashmir resorts to be showcased in world tourism market

Srinagar, Oct 12 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir government has planned to showcase hitherto unknown and virgin resorts of Kashmir in the world tourism market.

State Tourism Minister Mohammad Dilawar Mir said places such as Bungus, Gurez, Aharbal, Yusmarg and Dodpathri would be promoted and showcased in the global market.

Speaking at a workshop on ''Future Plans for Tourism Promotion in Kashmir'' at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) here, he also called upon efforts to promote cultural and pilgrim tourism in a big way.

Besides natural scenic splendors, the Minister said the Valley has such heritage and pilgrimage sites which could be exploited for image transformation of the Kashmir.

He urged for innovative concepts to promote vast potential of adventure, heritage and eco-tourism in the Valley to harness optimum share in the world tourism market.

Mr Mir stressed for focused attention on consolidating basic tourism infrastructure at various destinations. The encroachments or any sort of constructions in violation of approved master plans will not be tolerated and all officials and field agencies concerned would be held responsible in this regard, he warned.

The Minister directed for early execution of works on all the proposed aerial ropeways at Shankaracharya, Hari Parbat, Aishmuqam, Patnitop and Mubarik Mandi.

He directed the Pahalgam Development Authority Chief Executive Officer to start reconstruction of gutted club by next month. The recreation park at Batkoot near Pahalgam should be made functional so that it could be thrown open for tourists next season, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Tourism Secretary Naeem Akhtar said Kungdoori in Gulmarg was being developed as a major international ski resort at a cost of Rs 4.35 crore. Trang near Gulmarg would also be developed as a tourist village, he added.

Mr Akhtar said log huts in Gurez, Lolab and Boniyar in Uri were being converted into private guest houses to make these major tourist attraction. Detailed project reports for development of Bungus, Bhaderwah and Gurez and also for preservation of Buddhist cites at Harwan have been submitted to the Centre, he added.

The Tourism Secretary said a comprehensive plan for restoration of old Mughal city of Srinagar with emphasis on conservation of Mughal monuments has also been formulated. Nageen and Anchar lakes would be restored to develop these as water track, Mr Akhtar said, adding that a water park at Pokhribal was also coming up shortly.

Baitab valley in Pahalgam would be developed under the centrally -sponsored destination development scheme at a cost of Rs one crore.

UNI AG RL KN1330