BANDIPORA: World Tourism Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm on Saturday at Chandaji Bandipora under the ongoing Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan.
The event witnessed active participation from locals, youth, and stakeholders, reflecting the commitment towards promoting eco-friendly and sustainable tourism in the region.
On the occasion, Tourism Researcher and Promoter, Shabnam Bashir, highlighted the immense potential of Chandaji as an eco-friendly destination. She underscored that sustainable tourism not only helps conserve the environment but also plays a vital role in boosting the income of local communities.
Under the Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan, the administration has earmarked ₹3 lakh financial assistance for homestay owners, besides ₹5 lakh for the construction of a community hall and development of allied facilities to strengthen tourism infrastructure in the area.
Officials informed that at present, 12 local youths are engaged in livelihood activities at the Chandaji Eco Park in 2025, showcasing a model of community participation where tourism is directly linked with employment generation. The initiative is expected to further enhance local income and establish Chandaji as a vibrant tourism hub.
In addition to homestays and eco-tourism, special focus will be laid on the promotion of local products, particularly pure organic honey and traditional local cuisine, which will offer tourists an authentic cultural experience while simultaneously empowering villagers economically.
Furthermore, the proposed bridle path from Chandaji to Lashkoot is expected to add another dimension to eco-tourism in the area. Tourists will be able to travel using local horses, thereby creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for horse owners and related communities.
The celebration concluded with a pledge to continue collective efforts for positioning Chandaji as a hub of natural beauty and cultural richness, while ensuring tangible socio-economic benefits for the local population.