Early Times Report
JAMMU, July 26: Directorate of Tourism, Jammu held its first-ever webinar to unveil the tourism potential in Kishtwar, anciently known as Kashtavata.
Titled as 'Tourism Potential in Kishtwar', the webinar discussed the high degree of natural beauty and unique cultural encounters that a visitor can look forward to in this largely unexplored district.
The webinar began with the opening remarks of the Chief Guest, Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. She congratulated the department for taking the initiative, and also pointed out that there's a lot that needs to be done.
She stated that Kishtwar is blessed with all physical geographical features and rich cultural heritage, and as such, has immense potential with regard to several types of tourism, ranging from nature to ethnic tourism.
"People these days love to be closer to nature and the trends like homestays are here to stay. Essentially, we need to work along with the local administration and develop upon connectivity, hospitality units, workforce quality and marketing strategy for Kishtwar. In addition to existing GOI initiatives like NIDHI, SAATHI, IITFC, we are planning roadshows and other promotional activities to flag and publicize the region extensively," she said.
Vivekanand Rai, IRS, Director Tourism Jammu, asserted the pro-active role of Directorate of Tourism, Jammu in promoting the region. He shared upcoming activities such as Saffron Picking Festival, Bike Rally, besides ongoing infrastructure development, and exploring adventure and religious tourism aspects.
Kishori Lal Ji Sharma, JKAS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, gave an account of the formation of the district as in the modern times, its demographics and how the district came to be known as 'Land of Sapphire, Saffron, and Shrines'.
Nagendra Singh Jamwal, JKAS, Registrar, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Former CEO, Surinsar Mansar Development Authority, highlighted the unique position that Kishtwar has in the History and Geography of the Union Territory of J&K and Ladakh. He referred to it as Mini-India and called for exhaustive content creation for the same.
"Kashtavata remained famous for its natural bounties including world famous Sapphires, timber and mountain passes across Himalayas to connect Ladakh and Kashmir with Jammu region," he informed.
He added, "Kishtwar affords the best hiking treks in the UT, including the heritage treks on the routes undertaken by Wazir Zorawar Singh to reach Suru valley in Kargil and Ladakh through Zanskar over the Bhodkol La and Umasi La. It clearly defines and demarcates the geography of Jammu region through Chenab watershed."
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