New tourist destinations being developed across J&K: Govt

Srinagar, Sep 24: The Jammu and Kashmir government has said that it is actively exploring and promoting new and emerging tourist destinations across the Union Territory, including Bandipora, with the objective of diversifying the tourism circuit, decongesting established tourist destinations and promoting lesser-known destinations.
The government stated this in a written reply to Starred Question D.No. 1/6/47 raised by MLA Bandipora Nizam-ud-din Bhat regarding tourism destinations.
The Tourism Department said it has identified and is promoting several emerging tourist destinations across J&K, including Aharbal, Bangus, Gurez, Tosamaidan, Daksum, Chatpal, Sanasar, Basholi, Rajouri, Mansar, Badaradi, Suchetgarh, Poonch and other locations through infrastructure development and destination promotion.
With specific reference to Bandipora constituency, the department said it is promoting the tourism potential of Athwatoo, Wular Lake and adjoining areas, including Zurimanz, Wular Vantage Park and Watlab. These destinations offer considerable potential for nature, eco, adventure, water-based and rural tourism,” the government said.
The department said it has also taken up the following tourist destinations and infrastructure projects for development in Bandipora constituency: tourist Cafeteria at Watlab (Village Khensusa).Watapora Park.Wular Vantage Park, Garoora, Bandipora.Budget Accommodation at Athwatoo, Bandipora.
The government further said that during the current financial year, the work titled “Construction of View Points along both banks of Nallah Bun from Chandaji Village downwards” has been approved at an estimated cost of Rs 50 lakh under the Priority Works Plan.
“Preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is under process,” it said.
Besides, the government said development of a Water Sports Centre-cum-Boat Club at Wular Lake is also being taken up during the current financial year.
On whether the existing tourist destinations are being developed to make them fully tourist-friendly and whether concepts and resources are being provided for such activities, the government replied in the affirmative.
“The existing tourist destinations are being progressively developed and upgraded to improve tourist facilities, enhance overall visitor experience and ensure sustainable tourism development,” it said.
The government said carrying capacity of the overburdened sites is also being taken into consideration for the current financial year 2026-27.
The development interventions, it said, envisage provision and improvement of basic tourist amenities, including public conveniences, drinking water, seating, signage and visitor information facilities.
These also include improvement of basic tourist infrastructure, landscaping and beautification, besides development of viewpoints, recreational and interpretation facilities wherever feasible and environmentally appropriate.
The department said the initiatives further include promotion of eco-tourism, nature tourism, adventure tourism, rural tourism and water-based tourism, keeping in view the carrying capacity of each destination.
Other interventions include improvement of cleanliness, sanitation, waste management and environmental sustainability, development of low-impact and environmentally sensitive tourism infrastructure, promotion of homestays, local guiding and other tourism-related livelihood activities, and enhanced participation of local communities in tourism development.
“The overall objective is to make tourist destinations more visitor-friendly while ensuring environmental protection, sustainable tourism development and generation of employment and livelihood opportunities for the local population,” the government said.
It added that the requisite resources for undertaking these activities are being met through the Annual Capex Budget and funding provided by the Government of India under applicable Central Sector Schemes, including Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD and PMDP, wherever applicable.
“Convergence with concerned departments and agencies is also undertaken, as required,” the reply stated. (KNO)