Early Times Report
srinagar, Apr 5: Union minister of state (MoS) for tourism Dr Mahesh Sharma has plans to combat terrorism with tourism. He was speaking at a Conclave at Gulmarg Sunday.
He said tourism formed the backbone and identity of Jammu Kashmir. 'Fortunately the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister have agreed to take it to new heights," he said.
Sharma assured international flights to Kashmir. "All issues related to the Srinagar airport will be addressed. The Centre will examine the technical and security-related issues and take a decision on starting additional flights to Srinagar, Jammu and Leh very shortly. The concerns of the ITC hotels too will be addressed in next three months," said Sharma.
He announced three circuits for Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh divisions under Swadesh Darshan scheme of the union government. Under this scheme, the Union Government will fund Srinagar-Chatti Padshahi-Hazratbal-Chrar-e-Sharief Spiritual Circuit, State-of-the-art Yoga Centre at Mantalai, Jammu and Leh Buddhist Spiritual Centre in Ladakh.
The Chief Minister who was present on the occasion said, "His new government, in partnership with Centre, will become an entrepreneur in tourism development, which sector offers new vistas for economic growth and employment in the State."
He said the Jammu Kashmir tourism was a vehicle that needed a good driver. "The new government will put the state firmly on the pedestal of global benchmarks. The idea behind this conclave is to give an opportunity to all the participants to share their vision of how to promote, package and market J&K as a high-end tourist destination," he said.
Mufti expressed concern over excessive hike inair fare. He urged the Union minister to consider operating additional flights on Delhi-Srinagar, Delhi-Jammu and Delhi-Leh circuits to counter costly air fares.
Referring to the PDP-BJP government, the chief minister said, "J&K is at the cusp of change and his new government will channelize the collective energies of the three distinct regions for building on peace dividends through a concerted development effort, particularly in the tourism sector."
To promote tourism, the chief minister announced chopper sorties for high-end visitors to Bangus Valley, an eco-fragile but equally breathtaking destination.
The Union minister also assured the government on releasing Rs 127 crore package for restoring the properties damaged in September floods of 2014.
The Central government is also exploring possibility of starting at least one or two international flights from Srinagar International Airport. |
