On the intervention of the Chief Minister, Ms Mehbooba Mufti, Union Ministry of Home Affairs, has decided to relax the ‘Protected Area Permit’ for foreigners visiting various parts of Ladakh and as a consequence foreign tourists will be now able to visit various parts of Nobra Valley.The necessary notification has been issued by MHA in this regard.Expressing satisfaction over the development, the Chief Minister reiterated the resolve of the Government to boost the tourist infrastructure in the State and open up new areas in Kashmir as well as Jammu province for the tourists. The Chief Minister has directed the Tourism Department to expedite necessary approvals and initiate work on various tourism infrastructure projects for which DPRs have already been submitted for approval of Government of India.
In addition to boosting the tourism infrastructure in already established tourist places, like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, etc., the Chief Minister has directed adequate attention be given to upcoming places like Yusmarg, Doodpathri, Khilanmarg, Kokernag, Tosamaidan etc., to attract more tourist arrivals.The Chief Minister has also directed the Tourism Department to undertake infrastructure development for promotion of border tourism as well as adventure tourism in the State. Chief Minister has expressed the hope that very soon atmosphere will be conducive for tourists to visit Kashmir as has happened at the beginning of this year. She has also directed Secretary Tourism to launch a strong campaign in various parts of the country as well as abroad particularly focusing on South Asian Countries to attract tourists to Kashmir.