Bhera Tribal Tourism Village to reflect region’s rich tribal heritage: Javed Rana

Srinagar, Aug 11: In a significant initiative aimed at promoting tribal tourism and inclusive development in the border areas, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, Tuesday chaired a meeting at Civil Secretariat here to review establishment of a Tribal Tourism Village at Bhera in Mendhar subdivision of Poonch district.
The meeting focused on various aspects of the proposed project, including infrastructure development, tourism facilities, promotion of tribal culture and creation of livelihood opportunities for local communities.
The meeting was attended by Engineer in Chief, Public Works (R&B) Department, Director Tribal Affairs, Deputy Director, Tribal Research Institute, Deputy Director, Planning, Tourism Department and Executive Engineer, Public Works (R&B) Division, Mendhar.
Rana directed the concerned department to engage a consultant for preparation of a comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) covering all aspects of the project. He stressed that the DPR should provide a holistic roadmap for development of the Tribal Tourism Village, incorporating the requisite infrastructure, tourism facilities, cultural components and other necessary interventions.
The Minister emphasised that the proposed Tribal Tourism Village should serve as a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage, traditions, crafts, cuisine and lifestyle of the tribal communities. It should provide the visitors with an authentic cultural experience besides creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for the local residents.
He said the project should be planned in a manner that encourages community participation and local economic activity, including opportunities for homestays, handicrafts, cultural activities, eco-tourism and other sustainable tourism ventures.
Rana called for close coordination among the concerned departments and directed the officers to identify all requisite interventions and incorporate them comprehensively in the DPR so that the project can be taken forward in a planned and timely manner.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening the tourism infrastructure in the area while preserving and promoting the unique cultural identity of tribal communities and contributing to the economic development of the region.
The Minister stressed that development of tribal and border areas remains priority of the government. He called for ensuring that such initiatives translate into tangible livelihood and development opportunities for the local communities.
The project is expected to place the region’s cultural heritage on the tourism map while creating sustainable income opportunities for the local residents.
With its unique focus on tribal culture, traditions and local heritage, the Tribal Tourism Village is expected to emerge as a prominent attraction in the Pir Panjal region, drawing visitors from across the country and offering them an authentic cultural and tourism experience. The initiative will further expand the tourism footprint of Jammu and Kashmir while creating new opportunities for local communities and contributing to the region’s socio-economic development.