The Government is contemplating to develop tourist facilities in Gurez Valley which is bestowed with natural beauty including lush green meadows, pastures, glaciers and serene waters of river Kishenganga.In this regard, the Minister for Tourism, Tassaduq Hussain Mufti and Deputy Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Nazir Ahmad Gurezi discussed in detail the modalities in a meeting held here today.Discussing the issue of setting up of Gurez Development Authority, the Minister said that the Tourism Department would be asked to come up with a proposal in this regard.The Deputy Speaker urged for opening of Gurez-Drass road via onwards to Mushki Valley, establishment of Gondola at Vijj Gali, development of Water Sports, adventure tourism at Vishan Sar, Kishan Sar and Kangan via Jowdora, Budoaab to Sonamarg which he said will boost and promote tourist activities in the State in general and Gurez Valley in particular.
Gurezi suggested for developing one village of the tehsil as heritage village.He also said there is a huge production of trout fish in Kishenganga river and desired that the Angler Hut should also be constructed in the area to accommodate visiting tourists including foreigners.Taking stock of development of shrines, the Minister assured that the shrines of the Gurez would be developed under Pilgrimage Tourism.Addressing the meeting, the Tourism Minister stressed for eco-tourism training under which communes to be provided with first aid kits and live-and-learn developed interpretive field guides. He said this will help the local community to provide a thorough and exciting ecotourism experience for visitors to their area keeping in view protecting their local environment and natural resources.The Minister said that there is a huge potential for medicinal plants which are very useful for human lives. He said the need of the hour is to tape it and put it in use on modern lines.