Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon Tuesday called for developing the Tosa-Maidan meadow in Budgam district as a rural tourism destination.Chairing a meeting here today, he directed the concerned officials to take steps in the area to develop Tosa Maidan as a tourist hub.The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Budgam, officials of Tourism, Forest, PHE, Wildlife, Rural Development and Forest departments. A Non Governmental Organisation also participated in the meeting and gave a Power Point Presentation proposing various measures for the development of tourism sector in the area.The Divisional Commissioner stressed the need to promote Tosa Maidan on community driven adventure and Rural Tourism. He said Tosa Maidan area has a huge potential of adventure tourism apart from normal tour and picnic. He said the winter tourism and adventure tourism will take main lead in Tosa Maidan.He said Tosa Maidan will be brought on the tourism map of the state as an independent resort without disturbing its fragile environment.He also directed officials of Tourism Department to invite Bollywood to shoot in the area which will help to promote Tosa Maidan into a tourism hub. He said some Bollywood directors have assured him that they will shoot their films in the area.
Dr. Samoon said rural tourism will provide accommodation and offer showcasing of local culture and heritage.During meeting, the Div Com also directed officials of Forest Department to go for massive plantation drive in the area with the help of Rural Development Department so that the loss of forest area due to firing range will be compensated.The Divisional Commissioner also asked the Department of Rural Development to develop an adjoining village of Tosa Maidan as a model village in order to improve the facilities in these villages. Samoon also directed Deputy Commissioner Budgam to ensure better healthcare facility besides other basic facilities to the eight adjoining villages of Tosa Maidan.On the occasion, officials of Forest and Tourism Departments apprised the Div Com about the measures to be taken by them for developing Tosa Maidan as a tourist hub. The Divisional Commissioner stressed on greater public-private interface to create a sustainable revenue model by optimally utilising the tourism infrastructure.