Raja Syed Rather
Sonamarg, Jun 14: In a move to boost sustainable tourism and strengthen coordination at the grassroots level, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) Bilal Mukhtar Saturday conducted a visit to a village in the picturesque tourist destination of Sonamarg.
During the tour, the CEO engaged directly with guest house and homestay owners to assess the current tourism infrastructure and understand local challenges. The interaction focused on promoting responsible and year-round tourism
Mukhtar emphasized the need for improved infrastructure, better waste management, and enhanced coordination between locals and tourism authorities. “The aim is to not only attract more tourists throughout the year but also to make Sonamarg a model for sustainable mountain tourism,” he said while interacting with stakeholders.
Local residents and business owners appreciated the CEO’s outreach, describing it as a rare and much-needed initiative. They raised concerns regarding connectivity, basic amenities, and promotion of their homestays under official tourism campaigns.
The visit marks a significant step by the administration towards inclusive planning and reflects a growing focus on rural tourism as a key pillar of development in Jammu & Kashmir’s scenic regions. (KNO)
