Centre committed to develop unexplored tourist destinations: Shekhawat

New Delhi, Jul 30: The Centre on Thursday said it is committed to the planned and sustainable development of unexplored tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district through eco, border, adventure and community-based tourism.
Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, said the development and promotion of tourism is primarily the responsibility of the Jammu and Kashmir administration, while the Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance under schemes such as Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) and PRASHAD.
He said the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department has undertaken and proposed tourism infrastructure projects in Kupwara district involving an estimated investment of over Rs 58 crore.
According to the Minister, the projects include the development and upgradation of Tourist Facilitation Centres, Tourist Reception Centres, tourist huts, guest houses, interpretation centres, cafeterias, public convenience facilities and other eco-tourism infrastructure.
The works are planned across destinations including Teetwal, Keran, Karnah, Machil, Lolab, Bangus, Zachaldara, Langate and Handwara, he added.
Shekhawat said the Union Territory administration has also launched promotional initiatives such as International Yoga Day celebrations, Familiarisation (FAM) tours to Keran, the annual Lolab-Bangus Festival, promotion of border tourism destinations and participation in national and international tourism fairs.
He said the initiatives are aimed at strengthening tourism infrastructure, improving visitor experience, generating local employment and promoting sustainable eco-tourism and border tourism in the district.
The minister also informed the House that the Ministry of Tourism promotes destinations across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, in key domestic and international markets, while encouraging consultation with local communities and stakeholders and supporting capacity building and entrepreneurship, particularly among youth.
He said details of tourism projects sanctioned in Jammu and Kashmir under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes, including projects covering Kupwara under the Himalayan Circuit, were also shared in the House. (KNO)