New Delhi, July 30: The Centre on Thursday said it is supporting a Rs 58-crore tourism infrastructure push in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district, with a focus on sustainably developing border and eco-tourism destinations including Bangus, Lolab, Keran, Machil and Teetwal.
Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the Ministry of Tourism is committed to the planned and sustainable development of unexplored destinations in Kupwara through eco-tourism, border tourism, adventure tourism and community-based tourism.
He said the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department has undertaken and proposed infrastructure projects worth over Rs 58 crore in the district. The projects include 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 at Teetwal, Keran, Karnah, Machil, Lolab, Bangus, Zachaldara, Langate and Handwara.
The Minister said that while tourism development is primarily the responsibility of the UT Administration, the Centre provides financial assistance for tourism infrastructure under schemes such as Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD) and PRASHAD.
Shekhawat informed the House that the UT Administration has also undertaken promotional initiatives, including International Yoga Day celebrations, familiarisation (FAM) tours to Keran, the annual Lolab-Bangus Festival, promotion of border destinations and participation in national and international tourism fairs to position Kupwara as a major border and eco-tourism destination.
He said the initiatives are aimed at strengthening tourism infrastructure, improving visitor experience, generating local employment and promoting sustainable tourism in the district.
The Minister added that the Ministry promotes tourism destinations across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, in key domestic and international markets. He said Central schemes also encourage consultations with local communities and stakeholders while promoting capacity building and entrepreneurship, particularly among youth.
Shekhawat also shared details of tourism projects sanctioned in Jammu and Kashmir under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes, including projects covering Kupwara under the Himalayan Circuit.
