Associated News Bureau

Government Expands Tourism Initiatives to Emerging Destinations Across Kashmir : CM

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 22: The Government is undertaking a series of initiatives to promote tourism at emerging destinations across Kashmir Division, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah informed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. As part of efforts to strengthen adventure tourism, snow skiing has been introduced at Doodhpathri, where a drag lift is operational. The Government has also submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth ₹75 crore to the Union Government under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme for development of a Tourist Transit Hub at Doodhpathri. The Chief Minister further informed the House that feasibility assessments have been completed for development of new tourism sites in the Khansahib area. For promoting ecotourism, a phased master plan covering all Tourism Development Authorities is under consideration. The proposed framework includes the Lolab-Bangus-Drangyari tourism circuit, aimed at developing the region's natural and scenic destinations in a planned manner. The Government is also taking steps to promote border tourism. In this regard, the process of handing over the Salamabad Trade Facilitation Centre to the Tourism Department is currently underway. The initiatives are aimed at diversifying Kashmir's tourism offerings and encouraging the development of emerging destinations alongside established tourist centres.