Mubashir Aalam Wani
Srinagar, Feb 5: With border tourism flourishing in the valley, the administration has decided to develop Keran as a border tourist village.
As per a copy of Jammu and Kashmir interim budget 2024-25, the government will develop infrastructure and basic amenities in 20 off-beat tourist destinations, 10 each in Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
The interim budget copy said that Keran, which has opened recently for tourists, will be developed as a border tourist village of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
The development of Keran as a border tourist village has been appreciated by the tourism players, who said the village has a huge scope of attracting domestic as well as international tourists.
“Keran is a beautiful place and has successfully attracted tourists during the last two years. With the development of Keran as a border tourist village, infrastructure will come up in the village, which will include homestays and other amenities for tourists,” said Umar Ahmad, a travel agent.
He said border areas of Keran and Tangdar require immediate development as tourists have been constantly expressing their desire to visit such places.
“We often get requests from tourists to visit Keran and Tangdar. So far accommodation has been an issue for the tourism players. If the government develops both these areas, we will get to see a lot of tourists visiting these areas in coming years,” Ahmad said.
Keran, a border tehsil of Kupwara district, nestled along the banks of the Kishenganga River (Neelum River), has long been a hidden gem, unknown to many.
Due to the tension prevailing across the border for the last many decades, the area was not being explored for tourism promotion.
To put border regions like Keran, Gurez, Tangdhar, Machil, and Bangus on the tourism map, the Indian government made a big decision. The locals are happy about this decision since it promises prosperity, and economic growth to the area.
As per the interim budget copy, the government is also going to develop Tosamaidan and Sitharan circuits.
It said the revival and restoration of 75 identified heritage sites, cultural sites will also be completed.
