Kupwara: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today visited Bangus Valley and inaugurated the ‘Bangus Adventure Festival’.
In his address, the Lt Governor welcomed the visiting tourists to Jammu Kashmir. We live by the motto of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, which also resonates in our culture. I hope you all will take memorable memories with you from your visit to this beautiful Bangus valley which has emerged as a premier offbeat destination, he said.
“Several offbeat destinations of J&K like Bangus are the ideal escape for travelers seeking leisurely adventures and enchanting experiences. From adventure, exquisite cuisine, pilgrimage, traditional handicrafts to serene mountains, Jammu Kashmir offers anything and everything to travelers,” the Lt Governor said.
He said the festival will further highlight the rural and adventure tourism potential of Bangus valley, promote its tribal culture and provide a platform for local artisans to showcase traditional arts and crafts.
The Lt Governor also highlighted the tourism potential of J&K and shared the efforts of the UT Administration to promote the tourism sector of the UT.
“We have completely transformed the tourism industry and Jammu Kashmir has been positioned as the most promising destination. The Tourism sector will soon become the engine of growth for the Union Territory,” the Lt Governor said.
He said the aim of the UT Administration is to attract a greater share of tourists and provide a lifetime experience to travellers, explorers and art lovers.
Around 300 new destinations including heritage sites, offbeat, adventure and spiritual destinations are being developed to provide a variety of gateway options for domestic and foreign tourists filled with activities, festivals, natural scenery, shopping and B&B (Bed & Breakfast) home-stay in picturesque and calm villages, the Lt Governor added.
The Lt Governor said India’s G20 Presidency has made every citizen of the country proud. “After the success of the G20 summit in J&K, we are witnessing a multifold increase in the foreign tourists’ arrival in Jammu Kashmir. Today, tourists in record numbers are visiting the UT is also a reflection of the new aspiration of Jammu Kashmir,” he added.
At Bangus, the Lt Governor asked the citizens to discharge their responsibility in maintaining a peaceful environment to achieve sustainable socio-economic growth for the UT.
He said without peace, no development and tourism can happen. “It is not only the job of security forces and Police to ensure peace but everyone including local residents and elected representatives have to play their part. Years of terrorism and its ecosystem had destroyed the peace and prosperity while tourism is uniting one and all,” he added.
The Lt Governor also highlighted the role of private players, the local people and the youth in creating better facilities for the tourists.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor flagged off various rallies and activities as a part of the festival.
Bangus Adventure Festival offers a host of activities like Paragliding, Horse Riding, Hot Air Balloon, ATVs, cultural events, games etc. for tourists.
Irfan Sultan Panditpori, Chairman, District Development Council Kupwara; Major General Girish Kalia GOC Vajr Division; Sh Vijay Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary Tourism Department; Ayushi Sudan, Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara; Haji Farooq, Vice Chairman, DDC Kupwara; PRI members, senior officers, local residents and tourists in large numbers were present.
