New Delhi: The Centre on Thursday said infrastructure projects worth over ₹58 crore have been undertaken or proposed in Kupwara district as part of efforts to promote sustainable tourism in destinations such as Lolab, Bangus, Keran, Machil and Teetwal.
Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said tourism development is primarily the responsibility of the state government or Union Territory administration, while the Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance under schemes including Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) and PRASHAD.
According to the minister, the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department has proposed and undertaken projects involving more than ₹58 crore for the development and upgradation of Tourist Facilitation Centres, Tourist Reception Centres, tourist huts, guest houses, interpretation centres, cafeterias, public convenience facilities and other eco-tourism infrastructure in Teetwal, Keran, Karnah, Machil, Lolab, Bangus, Zachaldara, Langate and Handwara.
Shekhawat also informed the House that the Union Territory administration has undertaken promotional initiatives such as International Yoga Day events, familiarisation tours to Keran, the annual Lolab-Bangus Festival, promotion of border destinations and participation in national and international tourism fairs.
He said the initiatives are aimed at strengthening tourism infrastructure, improving visitor experience, generating local employment and promoting eco-tourism and border tourism in the district.
The minister added that the Ministry of Tourism encourages state governments and Union Territory administrations to involve local communities and stakeholders in tourism development while promoting capacity building and entrepreneurship, particularly among youth.
He also shared details of tourism projects sanctioned in Jammu and Kashmir under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes, including projects covering Kupwara under the Himalayan Circuit.