Minister of state for Tourism and Education, Priya Sethi today said that the government has decided to hold Winter carnival at Bhaderwah to promote it as major tourist destination of the state.“To boost tourist footfall winter carnival will be held here on the pattern of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Patnitop,” she announced after inaugurating two day Bhaderwah Tourism-cum-Cultural festival 2017. MLA Bhaderwah Daleep Singh Parihar, DDC Doda Bhawani Rakwal, ADC Bhaderwah Imam din, CEO BDA Bal Krishan, SDM Gandoh Dilmir Choudhary, ASP Bhaderwah Shahzad Salaria, ACD Doda Akhtar Hussian Qazi, various district and sectoral officers, prominent citizens, students of local educational institutions, tourists besides people from across the District were present at the inaugural ceremony.Praising the natural beauty of Bhaderwah, the Minister said that it is also called as Chotta Kashmir and a large number of tourists have been diverted this year towards this unexplored heaven due to the efforts and initiatives taken up by the present government.
“It is highly encouraging to note that the area has witnessed record tourist footfall of more than 4 lakh - the highest ever figure and is expected to go much beyond by the end of this year” she added. She asked Tourism department to giver wider publicity to the area to attract the tourists from across the country. She laid stress on better connectivity, tourism infrastructure and development of hospitality sector for boosting the tourism to benefit the local stakeholders.“This valley varied tourism potential. There is huge scope for adventure tourism, pilgrimage tourism, winter sports. To explore this potential steps will be taken to divert the pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi, Amarnath and other parts of the state to this unexplored valley” she said. Priya Sethi also assured the people that the area will be soon provided air connectivity on the pattern of other districts as the Aviation ministry, GOI, is providing attractive incentives for regional air connectivity all over India. She directed the district administration to submit a comprehensive plan envisaging the requirements for starting the service.
“The Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is keen to see Bhaderwah emerging as a major tourist destination and she has directed state Tourism Ministry to explore all the possibilities for tapping the its potential to the full. The CM has also assured to sanction Rs 50 crore for various tourism projects to develop the Bhaderwah circuit”, the Minister informed.She informed that the government is also mulling to rope in private players through PPP mode to develop and strengthen hospitality sector and tap the huge tourism potential of Chenab region. “Special stress has been laid on promoting Chamba-Bhaderwah road as an alternate connectivity to the state as it will surely increase the tourist footfall in the region” she added.Asserting that tourism is backbone of state’s economy, she said the Prime Minister, Narinder Modi has sanctioned Rs 2000 crore for boosting this lucrative industry in the state and Rs 400 crore has already been released for the purpose.Meanwhile the Minister congratulated Bhaderwah Development Authority for making spectacular arrangements for the mega event.“Bhaderwah cultural festival has become a major event, which was started with a view to showcase the rich culture, heritage and tradition of the area and boost the tourism activities in the region” she said.
Later, the Minister visited Bhaderwah Fort complex and discussed with the concerned authorities the possibility to start light and sound show there.Earlier festival started with lightening of lamp by the chief guest followed by a welcome address by the CEO Bhaderwah Development Authority, Bal Krishan.A colorful and scintillating cultural programme depicting the culture and traditions of Jammu and Kashmir state in general and Bhaderwah in particular was main attraction of the event.The performances include Bhaderwahi, Dogri, Kashmiri, Siraji, dances reflecting the cultural diversity of Chenab valley region. The popular folk dance of Bhaderwah known as Dhiku Dance was the highlight performance of the event.