New Delhi, Feb 9: The Centre has sanctioned multiple tourism infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir under flagship schemes including Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD, the Government informed the Lok Sabha.
Replying to a starred question by MPs Sanjna Jatav and Rahul Kaswan, Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, said development of tourist destinations is primarily the responsibility of States and UTs, while the Centre provides financial assistance for strengthening tourism infrastructure.
Under the Swadesh Darshan (Himalayan Circuit), J&K has received several major projects, including development of tourism facilities across Jammu–Srinagar–Pahalgam–Anantnag–Pulwama–Kishtwar–Gulmarg–Baramulla–Kupwara–Kargil–Leh corridors, besides projects at Bhagwati Nagar, Salamabad Uri, Daksum, Zanskar Padum, Ranjit Sagar Dam, Sudhmahadev and Mantalai. These projects together account for over Rs 600 crore in sanctioned funding, with substantial amounts already released and utilised.
Under the PRASHAD scheme, the Centre sanctioned Rs 40.46 crore for the development of Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar, of which Rs 34.30 crore has already been released, aimed at improving pilgrim amenities and heritage infrastructure.
On tourist safety, the Government said dedicated Tourism Police have been deployed in Jammu and Kashmir, while a 24×7 multilingual tourist helpline (1363 / 1800-11-1363) is operational to assist domestic and foreign visitors. The UT has also adopted the Code of Conduct for Safe and Honourable Tourism.
The Ministry said these interventions are part of its strategy to position Jammu and Kashmir as a safe, sustainable and globally competitive tourism destination, while boosting local employment and regional economic growth. (KNO)
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