SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 14: Secretary Tourism, Avny Lavasa (IAS), chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), Srinagar, to evaluate the overall functioning and operational roadmap of the Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Director Tourism Kashmir, Joint Director, Additional Secretary Tourism, Director Finance, Director Planning, and other senior officers of the department.
During the meeting, the Director Tourism, Kashmir, gave a detailed presentation outlining the department’s organizational setup, sanctioned staff strength, vacancy positions, and statutory enforcement framework. The presentation also detailed the physical and financial progress achieved under various government schemes, key promotional campaigns, and ongoing infrastructure initiatives.
The Secretary reviewed year-wise Capex Budget allocations, expenditure patterns, and pending developmental projects, directing officers to adhere strictly to completion timelines. She also scrutinized the licensing framework for hotels and tourist units, instructing officials to clear pending registration and renewal files promptly to facilitate Ease of Doing Business.
Taking note of revenue generation, outstanding liabilities, and operational bottlenecks highlighted during the session, the Secretary assured the Directorate of comprehensive administrative support to resolve pending proposals and enhance overall service delivery across Kashmir.
The Secretary further emphasized the need for a structured Annual Event Calendar to ensure year-round tourist engagement and effective promotion of Kashmir’s diverse offerings. She directed that all major festivals, cultural events and seasonal activities be planned in advance with proper inter-departmental coordination for wider publicity.
Reviewing the adventure tourism portfolio, the Secretary called for enhanced focus on adventure activities including trekking, paragliding, water sports, skiing and mountaineering.
She instructed the Directorate to identify new trekking routes, strengthen safety measures, improve adventure infrastructure and promote adventure tourism as a major USP to attract youth and niche tourists, particularly during off-season months.
