Rs 1 cr Central aid for devp of Nilnag in Kashmir

Srinagar, Feb 11: The Centre has sanctioned Rs one crore for the expansion and development of the Nilnag Lake in the central Kashmir district of Badgam, an official spokesman said.

He said the Central Water Resources Department has accorded approval to Rs one crore project for bringing Nilnag and its adjoining areas on the tourist map so that it becomes a tourist attraction.

He said the Lake, which is spread over an area of 46,300 square feet, will expand to 6,42,089 square feet following cleaning and desilting.

The work on the project was going on in full swing and about 45000 skilled persons and 2.26 lakh unskilled persons will get employment.

He said besides becoming a major tourist attaction and generating employement, it will also irrigate about 603 hectares of land of three villages adjoining the lake.

Jammu and Kashmir tourism department has decided to identify and development a number of areas as tourist destination.

UNI