Minister of State for Tourism informed that the legislative Assembly that the state government has established 24 Tourism Development Authorities (TDA)s to boost the Tourism sector and develop related infrastructures in various tourism potential areas of Jammu and Kashmir.Replying to a clubbed question of Mr Mushtaq Ahmad Shah and Mr Shakti Raj Parihar, the Minister said that a proposal for establishing Tourism Development Authority at Tral is under examination of the department and after ascertaining the requisite parameters the Government will take an appropriate decision. However, she said that the department is endeavouring to consolidate the existing Tourism Development Authority instead of creating of new ones.Regarding the steps taken for the promotion of tourism activities in Doda district, the Minister said that the department has initiated several proposals to tap the potential in un-covered areas of the district which include Baglihar Hydel Project Dam for adventure tourism/water sports. “To this end department has consulted National Institute of Water Sports, Goa and conducted a survey and recommended for plying of Paddle Boats, Motor Boats and Kayaks in the first phase” she said and the in second phase Speed Boats and Jet Skihas are proposed to be introduced.
“Besides, a project namely ‘Development of Water Sports Centre at Baglihar Dam – Pool Doda’ has also been taken up under PMDP-I against sanctioned cost of Rs.2.98 crore” she informed further. Giving details of other tourism projects, she said the department has also developed Rural Villages Kalhota Marmat, Doda under Rural Tourism Scheme at a sanctioned cost of Rs.0.65 crore, while a DPR of Rs 4.56 crore has been formulated for development tourism facilities at Lal Draman and Gai.She further informed that the department has taken up the issue of allotment of land with District Administration for development facilities at the twin spots, while the work on the Lal Draman Guest House is in progress. Responding to other part, she said the Tourism Development Authority Bhaderwah is already functional and there was no proposal with the government for creation of Tourism Development Authority Doda.Mr R S Pathania asked supplementary to the main question and called for tapping of tourism potential in Ramnagar and other potential areas of Udhampur district.