Snowfall must for power projects to run, tourism sector to thrive: Lt Governor

Srinagar, Jan 16: Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Tuesday hoped for snowfall in Kashmir stating that the snow is a must for power projects to run and the tourism sector to thrive.
Addressing a function in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, the Lt Governor said that dry winter prevails in Kashmir at present. “I pray to God for snow as snowfall is must for power projects to run, otherwise they will become defunct. Snowfall is also a must to keep the tourism sector thriving,” he said after dedicating the Baramulla Stadium renamed after General Bipin Rawat to the public.
The Lt Governor said last year 13 lakh tourists visited Gulmarg and the snow has been a major attraction there. “Six new destinations have been added to the list in Baramulla district but in absence of snow, tourists would prefer to stay away,” he said.
The Lt Governor said elections for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Panchayats will be started soon after reservations to OBCs are completed. “Work is going in that direction and once the process is over, elections for ULBs and Panchayats will be held,” he said.
He urged the people of Baramulla to take part in large numbers in the Jhanda Ooncha Rahay Hamara program on January 26, the Republic Day. “I want the skies of Baramulla to be filled with Tiranga,” he said.
He said that Baramulla district is flourishing and prospering on all fronts with active participation of youth.
The Lt Governor also highlighted the key initiatives taken by the J&K administration for the development of Baramulla district. He observed the ongoing work on developing a new tourism circuit in the District will benefit areas like Mundaji, Ladoo, Kazinag, Rajpora, Rampora and Uri, and give a boost to the local economy.
The Lt Governor inspected the stalls, put up various departments and handed over sanction letters to beneficiaries under different government schemes. He administered the ‘Hamara Sankalp Viksit Bharat’ pledge to officials and the citizens. He also flagged off a fleet of Garbage Collection Vehicles for rural areas of the district. The demonstration of sports activities and cultural performances received special appreciation from the Lt Governor.
The projects for which foundation stones were laid by the Lt Governor include Astro Turf for Football at Sheikh-ul-Alam Stadium; 8- Lane Synthetic Athletic track Surface at Tulibal Sopore; Installation of Blow Moulded Chairs for General Bipin Rawat Stadium; Spawn Production Laboratory in Public Sector under (HADP) for Mushroom Promotion in Baramulla and Laboratory Block at Government Higher Secondary School Authoora.