Sericulture and Tourism Departments have worked out a comprehensive plan to introduce Seri-Tourism in the State as a joint venture to promote both the sectors for enhancing the livelihood opportunities.This was stated in a meeting held here today under the chairmanship of Secretary Tourism Mr. Rigzin Samphael.The meeting was attended by Director Sericulture Mr. Gulzar Ahmad Shabnum, Secretary Jammu Tawi Golf Course (JTGC), Sidhra Mr Hitesh Gupta and other senior officers of Tourism and Sericulture Development Departments.Secretary Tourism said that under phase first Model Mulberry Gardens of highly improved Japanese Mulberry Plants shall be established at Jammu Tawi Golf Course at Sidhra and Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC) at Srinagar during this season. Ornamental Mulberry Plants shall also be planted alongside the approaches of these Golf Courses and other locations in a systematic and technical way to make the Course more captivating.The Secretary Tourism lauded the Sericulture Department for extending its support in conceptualization and execution of these symbiotic projects bound to promote the activities of both sectors with the objective of benefiting the locals. He suggested the senior functionaries of both the Departments to explore more destinations for development under Seri-Tourism in the state in coming years. He said that the projects have been conceived efficiently and are very much cost effective.
He said that the future plans under Seri- Tourism initiative must be framed with more ground work and after proper survey with the objective of promoting both the sectors and ensuring a sustainable eco friendly environment. He also suggested for seeking expert opinions in the formulation and execution of plans under Seri-Tourism at the potential tourism destinations of the State.The Director Sericulture informed the meeting that an area of about six Kanal has been identified for development of Model Mulberry Garden adjacent to the turf of JTGC, Sidhra for which required plant material has been arranged by the Department. The Department of Sericulture shall be providing all technical assistance for plantation, upkeep and maintenance of these mulberry plants. Arrangements have also been made for Plantation of Mulberry Sapplings alongside the various approaches of the Course, he said and added that Sericulture department is also ready to extend all support and assistance for completion of similar project at RSGC at Srinagar in the March month.He said that the Department of Sericulture is associating itself with other departments under a multi pronged strategy to have its varied role in promotional and other people oriented programmes, besides ensuring eco-conservation and maintenance of healthy environment.