Centre vows support for tourism promotion in J&K

Srinagar, Dec 4: The Ministry of Tourism has reiterated its commitment to supporting the development and promotion of tourism infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir, in response to a parliamentary question raised in the Rajya Sabha.

Union Minister for Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed that while the primary responsibility for developing and promoting tourist destinations lies with the respective State or Union Territory administration, the Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance under its flagship schemes such as Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive).

These schemes support the creation of tourism infrastructure, enhancement of visitor experiences, and facilities that may include last-mile connectivity, log huts, CCTV systems, and public convenience components, depending on the requirements detailed in project proposals, said an official press release.

Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, six major projects under the Himalayan Circuit were sanctioned in 2016–17 for J&K. These include the development of the Jammu–Srinagar–Pahalgam–Bhagwati Nagar–Anantnag–Salamabad Uri–Kargil–Leh circuit at a sanctioned cost of Rs 77.33 crore; the development of tourist facilities at Jammu–Rajouri–Shopian–Pulwama at a sanctioned cost of Rs 81.60 crore; and the development of tourist facilities involving the construction of assets destroyed in the 2014 floods under the Prime Minister’s Development Package at a sanctioned cost of Rs 90.43 crore.

Further projects include the development of tourist facilities at Mantalai and Sudhmahadev with a sanctioned cost of Rs 91.99 crore; the development of tourist facilities across Anantnag, Pulwama, Kishtwar, Pahalgam, Zanskar, Padum, Daksum and Ranjit Sagar Dam with a sanctioned cost of Rs 86.39 crore; and the development of tourist facilities at Gulmarg, Baramulla, Kupwara, Kargil and Leh with a sanctioned cost of Rs 91.84 crore. It was informed that under the PRASHAD Scheme, the Ministry sanctioned the development of the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar in 2016–17 at a cost of ?40.46 crore.

The Ministry also promotes destinations across India, including those in J&K, through a range of ongoing initiatives. These include social media outreach, promotional websites, participation in tourism events, support to fairs and festivals, and road shows aimed at showcasing tourism offerings in a comprehensive manner.