LG Sinha for developing scenic tourist destinations

Jammu, Oct 7: Observing that tourism has high growth potential in Udhampur district and could be one of the largest employment generators, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday advocated for developing scenic tourist destinations and sought Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the same.

“I am working on a strategic plan for tourism sector in Jammu Kashmir and I am sure with the help of institutional mechanism, we can increase highest employment of workforce in this sector and majority of them would be from our villages,” Mr Sinha said while addressing the public continuing his consistent outreach programmes as part of the ongoing Back to Village-3 in Kud village of Udhampur district.

“Back to Village is a revolution for implementation of maximum governance on ground. In Back to Village, the public is planner and executor while the government and officers are only facilitators”, he remarked.

“Administration should immediately start working on the development of tourism sector in the district. It has enough potential in the form of heritage sites as well as religious and adventure tourism”, said the Lt Governor.

He later sought DPR for development of Dudu, Basantgardh, Sanasar, Nathatop, Sudhmahadev and Mansar Lake in the tourism sector and also directed for identification of villages to be developed as Tourist Villages.

The Lt Governor announced that work on International Yoga Centre at Mantalai is apace and the same shall be completed by next year. Once completed, the project would take the area to new heights.

The Lt Governor also called for identification of suitable areas for production of high density apple in the district.

Taking cognizance of long pending demand of Chenani-Patangarh bridge over Tawi, the Lt Governor assured that a double-lane modern steel superstructure bridge would be completed by July, next year benefiting about 15 Panchayats.

“The five km approach road to the bridge would also be completed along with the project”, he added.

He further said that Back to Village and Jan Abhiyan is a step towards more transparent and accountable governance. Funds, Functions and Functionaries are now available at your doorstep.

“Each district has been provided funds of Rs 2.5 crore and additional Rs 10 lakh for Back to Village works. There is a need to work with honesty and dedication for utilization of these funds and execution of works”, said the Lt Governor.

Discussing the agriculture sector, the Lt Governor observed the need to modernize, industrialize and diversify it to strengthen village economies and providing ample sources of livelihood to the young generation.

“Jammu and Kashmir needs a different kind of green revolution focusing on livelihoods diversification through allied activities. I am working on many farmer-friendly initiatives to ensure a more rapid, holistic agricultural development in Jammu Kashmir”, the Lt Governor maintained.

He made a special mention of project Jeevika which has led to a new approach of integrated and remunerative farming in the clusters where the project is being implemented.

The Lt Governor spoke on Prime Minister’s visionary Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana and how it is going to benefit the district through implementation of measures like micro-irrigation.

He also called for creation of 300 clusters of organic farming in the district and for revival of water resources and revamping water supply for agriculture and horticulture sectors.

The Lt Governor highlighted the need to deliver benefits of social security schemes to large rural population of the district.

Addressing the youth, the Lt Governor said, “Under Skill India, 522 youngsters have been provided jobs, while another 510 are getting trained for jobs. With enough motivations, more youth would be facilitated under the schemes”.

The Lt Governor said, that during Back to Village-3, two youth are to be selected and helped to become entrepreneurs with handholding and financial assistance.

He told that Special Desks have been setup in J&K Bank branches to guide and facilitate such youth. Similarly, sports kits have been provided to each panchayat according to interests of the local youth, he informed.

 

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