With an objective to open virgin Lolab valley for the tourists, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Abdul Haq Khan on Thursday laid the foundation stone of a tourist hut in picturesque Lalpora area of the valley.Blessed with the lush green forests over mighty mountains and gushing streams, the Minister said the eco-friendly huts will be constructed at the cost of twenty six lakhs at Hapatnaar forest in Lalpora village to attract the tourists visiting to this valley. “Earlier tourists used to visit to Lolab in hurry as there was no specific accommodation in the area, but after the construction of tourist huts they would be at liberty to prolong their stay in this beautiful valley which would give impetus to the economic activities in the area,” said Mr. Haq while addressing the people after laying the foundation stone of the tourist hut.He said Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is personally taking interest in the development of Lolab and Bangus areas as tourist resorts to tap the tourist potential of these virgin areas. Soon, both the valleys will be on international tourist map and there will be hub of tourist activities in view of its unique picturesque beauty, said the Minister.
The Minister said the connectivity to Lolab valley is being enhanced and in this regard construction of Kupwara-Lolab will soon be completed on priority to ensure hassle free travel to valley. “Lolab-Bandipora road will also be inaugurated soon so that the distance between Lolab and Srinagar is shortened,“ he added .Elaborating further the unique features of the area on tourist point of view, the Minister said that Lolab is blessed with lush green forests and gushing streams which is famous for centuries old Kalaroos caves and Satbaran monuments, the Minister said the Government will explore possibilities to promote these caves for attracting tourists to the scenic spot.
He said government will ensure that the virgin valley is not polluted and that polythene will not be allowed to ruin the place. “We have imposed blanket ban on the use of polythene and have given powers to BDOs and Panchayat officers to seize the polythene and action against the defaulters under law. We will not allow tourism to affect fragile eco-system of Lolab valley, rather promote eco-tourism activities including home-stays, fishing, and trekking in the area,” he added. The minister later inspected the ongoing construction work at a Public Park in Lalpora and asked the officers to accelerate the work on the park.The minister was accompanied by DC Kupwara, CEO Bangus-Lolab Development Authority and other officials of Kupwara District.