Pilgrim tourism offers new economic goals: Azad

Jammu, Feb 15 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir will soon be on the world tourist map with the establishment of 19 tourism development authorities and three tourist circuits, Chief MInister Ghulam Nabi Azad said today.

Mr Azad made the statement while launching infrastructure and destination development project of renowned pilgrimage centre of Shivkhori at Ransoo, 130 km from here.

He said Shivkhori presently receives about seven lakh pilgrims a year and upgradation of facilities and extension of hospitality at the site would double the number of pilgrims in next couple of years.

He said ''an amount of Rs 12.50 crore would be incurred on the project envisaging widening and improvement of tracks, crossing drainage works, pre-cast tiling, construction of shelter-sheds, pilgrim rest houses. The project is scheduled to be completed in two phases.'' The Chief Minister said tourism has attained a position of first grade industry in the world and Jammu and Kashmir is fortunate enough to offer a lot in this field.

''Our natural beauty, rich climatic diversity, lush green forests, flower meadows, highland pastures, sky kissing and snow-clad mountains, murmuring brooks, freshwater streams, mesmerizing valleys and waterfalls, grand rivers and above all world famous ancient shrines, mosques, temples, monasteries, gurudwaras and beautiful cultural heritage are speaking beauty spots inviting tourists of all tastes,'' he maintained.

The Chief Minister said pilgrim and adventure tourism are being accorded priority.

The potential of pilgrim tourism can be imagined by the fact that presently about one crore pilgrim tourists visit Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Amarnathji and other places in the valley and Ladakh.

''Many steps in this direction have been taken and many more are in pipeline. He State besides being a tourist destination also owes its sustenance to agriculture and allied sectors,'' he said.

Mr Azad said the government is alive of the fact and this sector receives focus of attention. The schemes to help improve economic conditions of farmers are already under implementation and the new Roshni scheme will grant free ownership rights to farmers.

UNI