Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a golden period as 80 lakh tourists visited the Union Territory in the last few months, a record in the last 15 to 20 years, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said here on Saturday.
He also highlighted several initiatives of the government to boost tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I think this is the golden period for Jammu and Kashmir in which all the records of the last 15-20 years have been broken. More than 80 lakh tourists arrived here in the last few months. This has brought prosperity and is helping people establish peace,” Sinha told reporters here.
The LG flagged off an event titled “Athwas”, a unique partnership between citizens and authorities for the rejuvenation of Dal Lake. Under the project, de-weeding and dredging of the waterbody will be carried out in collaboration with the citizens.
“Several activities are happening (on the tourism front), 3,500 shikaras row the lake each day and I think no activity can be bigger than that. Around 400-500 (tourists) arrive here every day. The number of flights has increased. For some, it is difficult to get a ticket to Srinagar just two-three days before (the travel date). Hotels are booked. We are thinking about having more hotels here,” Sinha said.
He said the Dal Lake has become cleaner and will be restored to its pristine glory soon.
“The people as well as the administration here have vowed to keep Dal Lake clean, which is the cultural and historical heritage of the city. People from all over the world want to visit the lake. The average citizen now feels that the lake has become cleaner than before.
“There are provisions for Rs 136 crore in the budget for cleaning the lake. Money had come before as well, but I do not think it was utilised as it is being done now. The lake has become better and the change is visible,” Sinha said.
The LG said that “for the first time in history, a successful campaign is being run with active public participation to clean Dal Lake.
“The de-weeding campaign which was started last year was very successful; now we will add new cleaning machines to the existing fleet and start dredging work on the western side to restore the 60,000 Sq metre area,” he added.
He added that money has been deposited through the DBT mode into the accounts of those cleaning the lake, which has led to a change in their economic and social lives and also ensured the cleaning of the lake on a war-footing.
About the recent fire incidents in which a few houseboats were gutted, the LG said a provision has been kept in the Smart City project to provide immediate relief in case of fire incidents in the lake.
On the Smart City project for Srinagar, he said the administration is working on the need to protect the city’s inheritance and also to provide modern amenities.
“When you will be able to ride a cycle along the banks of the Jhelum, sip coffee and enjoy free internet for half an hour, you will surely bring us sweets,” Sinha said.
On the conservation of Wullar Lake, the LG said that a walkway is proposed to be built along the lake which will enhance the beauty of Wullar and also help in preventing encroachment along it.
“Our aim is to revive the historical and cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir and the lakes here are an invaluable part of that heritage,” the LG underscored.
The LG said that with the inspiration and encouragement of the Prime Minister, people of the UT are determined to preserve the natural wealth of Jammu Kashmir.
The LG also said that for three decades, Khushal Sar had dried up and turned into a sewage dump, and it was only after the significant partnership of administration and people that this waterbody has been rejuvenated and returned to its original form.
“Hon’ble Prime Minister has also appreciated the efforts of the people of Srinagar and the district administration for the initiative,” he added.
“This year, we aim to revive 3600 water-bodies in different parts of the UT. I call upon all stakeholders, PRIs and departments to join hands with a resolve to save our natural wealth with collaborative efforts,” the LG said.
Earlier, the LG along with Mayor SMC, Junaid Azim Mattu; DDC chairman Srinagar, Aftab Malik; senior officers and volunteers participated in the Dal cleaning drive.
In his welcome address, Vice-Chairman, LCMA, Bashir Ahmad Bhat gave a brief introduction about the ATHWAS Dal cleaning drive.
Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Dheeraj Gupta Principal Secretary HUDD; Pandurang K Pole, Div Com Kashmir; Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir; Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary Tourism; Mohammad Aijaz Assad, DC Srinagar, besides senior officers of LCMA and other departments, large number of students from various institutions of district Srinagar were present on the occasion.
