Kupwara frontier areas to witness major tourism boom

Jammu, Mar 10: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Monday said that it intends to promote adventure and border tourism in frontier areas of North Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
The Minister-Incharge of Tourism Department, while responding to queries put forth by MLA Sajad Gani Lone, informed the Legislative Assembly that the major focus areas include Teetwal, Keran and Bungus. “The government aims to promote tourism by developing hiking trails, illumination and signages, with additional efforts to promote border tourism by enhancing connectivity, visitors facilities and recreational infrastructure, and Rs 242.88 lakh have already been allocated to upgrade the tourism infrastructure in these areas.”
The Minister, informed that the government has undertaken several promotional activities and festivals to highlight the unique culture and traditions of Kashmir Valley, thereby attracting more visitors to Kupwara. “Among the notable events organized were the ‘Border Tourism Festival’ at Teetwal on September 7, 2022, a Familiarization (FAM) Tour for National and Local Media to Keran on August 9, 2023, Bungus Festival on September 10, 2023, and the Lolab Festival on January 11, 2025,” he said, adding that these events have significantly improved tourist inflow and boosted local economy.
“The government is also focusing on developing major tourist destinations like Bangus, Teetwal, and Keran to promote adventure and border tourism,” he added.
The Minister further stated that the Tourism Department has developed several infrastructure facilities in Kupwara to enhance visitor experiences.
The key assets established in the district, he said, include, Reshwari hutments in Qalambad, TRC Kupwara hutments/office building, Kothdaji hutments in Kathdaji Mawar, TIC Zangli, Khumriyal Hutments in Kupwara, Lalpora Hutments in Lolab, Chandigam hutments in Sogam, Devar hutments in Sogam, Drangyari hutments in Kralpora, Reddi hutments in Kralpora, Public Park at Sogam, Dardpora Hut in Lolab and hutments at Sonmullah in Tarathpora.
The Minister informed the House about various ongoing projects under the Capex Budget for the current financial year. “The projects include construction of the Tourist Facilitation Centre (TFC) at Teetwal at a cost of Rs. 79.34 lakh. Upgradation of Keran Valley infrastructure including the construction of a toilet complex, tuck shop, signages, solid waste management, selfie points, and hiking trails at a cost of Rs. 93.91 lakh, and Upgradation of Bungus Kupwara infrastructure involving the construction of toilet complex, tuck shop, shelter sheds, gazebos, and hiking trails at a cost of Rs. 69.63 lakh besides others,” he added. (KNO)