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| Tourism Circuits yet to develop in Kashmir tourism map. | | | Early Times Reporter
Srinagar | Oct 29
At a time when the government of Jammu and Kashmir has prioritized the tourism sector by initiating certain measures to boast up this sector, there is no tourism circuits developed in the state especially in valley. And the authorities of the tourism department seem un-concerned with this development.
The experts believe that the tourism circuits in valley will prove advantageous in enhancing the turnaround in tourism trade and will also help in developing new tourism infrastructure. "There is need to have specific tourism circuits within the valley in respect to adventure tourism, skiing/ golf tourism, medical tourism and heritage tourism," said Abdul Hameed, a senior official in the industries department. He added that the tourism circuits can help in a great deal in augmenting the economic input to the state.
In tourism circuit, one main tourism spot is interlinked with the other subsidiary tourist spots that are in its vicinity, by proper roads, transport and other infrastructure. "This can help in mitigating the rush of the tourists on the main tourist spot like Gulmarg or Pahalgam, and will also result in the development of overall tourism infrastructure in these places," said Hameed. There most prominent tourist spots in valley where there is possibility of developing tourism circuits are Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Yousmarg, Aaharbal, Deksum, Bangus valley and other like places.
Hameed added that Kashmir is having an enormous tourism potential, and there are many tourist places in the valley which if circuited with the other places that surround them can help in proper exploration of tourism potential in state in positive direction.
Also the common people of the valley who are associated with the tourism industry believe that the tourism circuits have a benefit for them. "It is good for all of us if these tourist places can be linked with each other," said Ghulam Mohammad, a sumo driver of Yousmarg. He is of the opinion that if Yousmarg is connected with its surrounding places, which according to him can become attractive tourist places, be connected with good roads and proper transport, will give employment to many and help in increasing the business of all the associated people.
Like Mohammad there are many, hoteliers, sumo vehicle drivers, and other associated people with the tourist trade, who wish to have these tourism circuits in the valley, so the trade can get a boast and will initiate the source of income for many unemployed youth of Kashmir.
Although the tourism officials admit that the tourism circuits are yet to be developed in the state, but stated that some initiatives are in progress for the promotion of this sector. "There is an approved scheme about the tourism circuits from the central government and it is in the pipe line to develop these circuits in the valley," said director tourism, Farooq Ahmad Shah. He added that the development authorities of the main tourist spots are directed to look into to means of developing the tourism circuits in the valley.
Also tourism stands the most important economic activity in Jammu and Kashmir and is now a priority sector, as designated by the state government. |
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