Sonamarg/Srinagar, October 7 (Scoop News) – Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Friday underlined the specialism of Jammu and Kashmir as choicest destination for nature lovers with wide-ranging potential of adventure and pilgrim tourism.
“This sector has always contributed in the economic welfare of the State and promises great prospects in employment creation and all round progress in future”, he said stressing on the conservation and protection of this natural wealth of the State. “This aspect needs to be undertaking as a mission”, he said and asked all the stakeholders in tourism to play their role in this direction.
The Chief Minister was addressing a function after inaugurating Rs. 3.58 crore Youth Hostel-cum-Adventure Centre, Rs. 3.28 crore Yatri Niwas and Rs. 3.14 crore Club at Sonamarg this morning.
The State Government has provided Rs. 15.12 crore for the creation of these facilities while Centre Government has assisted with Rs. 4.87 crore. These facilities possess modern health club, recreation halls, auditorium, dormitories, cafeteria, living rooms, conference places, etc.
Omar Abdullah said that the maintenance of eco-balance should be given top priority while building facilities at health resorts. He said that in no way natural beauty and ambiance of these places should be tempered with while creating necessary infrastructure. He said that private persons granted permission for building tourist facilities should strictly adhere to the rules and guidelines regarding the constructions. “No deviation in this regard will be acceptable”, he said and asked the Sonamarg Development Authority to keep constant vigil on it.
The Chief Minister said that the haphazard constructions have already told upon the scenic splendour at tourist places in the State. “We should ensure that no further damage is caused due to these activities”, he added and said that all of us have to play their role to protect the State’s natural beauty.
Omar Abdullah said that roping in visitors from all over the world, their stay in the State and preservation of our water bodies, forests, meadows, mountains, environment, fauna and flora should be managed in such a way that the two important concerns would complement each other’s requirements and help to maintain the eco-balance under all circumstances. He said visitors visit the places of tourism in the State for their serenity, greenery, scenic splendour and natural grandeur. “We have to maintain it so that they repeatedly visit here and help in our economic growth”, he said.
The Chief Minister said that the role of Development Authorities is all the more important in conserving the natural beauty and maintaining environment of these areas. He asked for special focus on avoiding pollution of all kinds and creation of eco-friendly infrastructure besides attending afforestation activities on large scale.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government is actively perusing at the Central Government level for construction of tunnels and Z Morh and at Zojila to make the Srinagar-Leh road pliable for traffic throughout the year. He said the construction of these tunnels is of greater economic significance.
Omar Abdullah said that by keeping the Srinagar-Leh road open throughout the year would make Sonamarg one of the important tourist stations even during the months of winter. “This can be also developed as a skiing destination”, he added.
The Chief Minister said that due to the normal tourist season this year more than 7 lakh tourists and over 6.5 lakh yatris visited the State and contributed in enhancing economic activities which in turn helped a large chunk of population to earn their livelihood. He expressed the hope that the next year would witness visiting of more than 8 lakh tourists.
Minister for Forests, Mian Altaf Ahmad and Minister for Tourism, Nawang Rigzin Jora and Minister of State for Tourism Nasir Aslam Wani highlighted the government’s endeavours for showcasing
The Chief Executive Officer, Sonamarg Development Authority presented the resume of the construction details of the three projects and gave details of the facilities created.
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