Describing J&K a symbol of unity in persity, the Minister for Tourism Mr G. Ahmad. Mir today said that despite having varied cultures, religion and languages all the three regions of the State -Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh- is a single entity.Speaking at the inaugural function of the Kargil and Zanzkar Festivals during his tour to the district, the Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir is famous all over the world for its distinct tourism potential and hospitality adding that all out efforts are being made to market vast tourism potential of the State in the world of Tourism.Thousands of audiences and a large number of foreign as well as domestic tourists witnessed the highlights of the festivals, that depicts the rich cultural ethos besides magnificent splendour of the region which mesmerized the audience and received applause from every one present on the occasion.
Minister of State for Information Technology, Mr Feroze Ahmad, Chief Executive Councillor, Kargil Hill Development Council, Haji Asgar Karbalie, Executive Councillor, Tourism, Skyzalng Wangyal, Director Tourism Kashmir, Chief Executive Officers of Kargil and Zanskar Development Authorities besides Officers of district administration were present on the occasions.Complimenting people of Kargil, especially the Hill Development Council, Tourism Department and concerned tourism Development Authorities for organizing the festival-presenting the true colour of the rich cultural heritage of Kargil-Zanskar, the Minister said that Ladakh’s beauty and charm is unique and incomparable. He urged upon the people to safeguard the matchless heritage of Ladakh for the posterity.
Giving details about upcoming tourism infrastructure in Kargil, the Tourism Minister said that the region possess God’s gifted bounty with amazing panoramic landscape and enchanting rugged terrain with Nature expressing its different moods to match each season and urge of visitors. He asked the people of Kargil to show good hospitality so that more tourists visit this place which will help to give impetus to socio-economic activities in the region. He also thanked UPA, Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh for their constant support to this region.The Minister said that for promotion of tourism the government has expended Rs. 32 cr through various Tourism Development Authorities. He said tourism developmental projects had been taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 25 crore in Kargil under the Centre and state plans against which Rs 17.69 crore were expended till the last fiscal. He said Rs 1.50 crore have been allocated under State plan to RDA for creation of tourist related infrastructure in Kargil.
Mir said that the the government had expended Rs 14.01 crore on the tourist-related infrastructure in Zanskar and Padum destinations under the Centre and state plans so far.He said the development of tourist destination at Zanskar was completed at a cost of Rs 465.51 lakh, while beautification of Padum and its adjoining tourist resorts was apace at a cost of Rs 399.16 lakh against which Rs. 139.73 lakh were expended till date. He directed the concerned that keeping in view short working season in the region redouble their efforts for time bound completion of tourist facilities in the area.