Comm Secy Tourism asks DCs to identify land for 5-star hotels, resorts

Jammu, Jan 20: Commissioner Secretary, Tourism Department, Yasha Mudgal, today convened a series of meetings to review the functioning of Tourism Department along with Jammu Tawi, Kashmir and Royal Spring Golf Courses besides Gulmarg Development Authority, J&K Cable Car Corporation and other vital tourism entities.

While reviewing the tourism profile of J&K, the Commissioner Secretary asked the Deputy Commissioners to formulate of a comprehensive plan for the development of tourism in the Union Territory.

She asked them to identify land for the establishment of a 5-star hotel/resort, selection of challenged-based tourism destinations, adventure tourism destinations and development of other tourist destinations.

She impressed upon the officers to facilitate the aspiring youths for establishing homestay clusters as well as other infrastructure so that they are made self-employed. She asked the officers to organise camps and educate youth regarding registration under the homestay scheme which will create employability avenues for them. She asked the DCs to expedite the process of NOCs for registration of homestays.

Senior officers of different Tourism Development Authorities gave detailed reports on the functioning and performance of their agencies besides challenges and issues being faced by them.

Commissioner Secretary impressed upon the officers that the assets of the department should be utilized to its full potential besides their maintenance on timely basis.

While reviewing the functioning of Golf Courses, the Commissioner Secretary exhorted the officers to establish facilities of international standards at these Golf Courses so that maximum number of players and individuals are attracted to these clubs. She asked the senior officers of Golf Courses to forward requisite plans to the administrative department for proper maintenance and upkeep of these sports assets. She also asked them to focus on optimal utilisation and maintenance of present facilities rather than establishing new ones.

Deputy Commissioners of both the divisions, Secretary, RSGC, JTGC, KGC, Special Secretary Tourism, Director Finance Tourism, Director Tourism  Jammu and Kashmir, Additional Secretary Tourism, JD Planning, CEOs of Jammu and Kashmir divisions and other concerned officers of the Tourism department attended the meeting while outstation officers participated virtually.