news details |
|
|
| New Tourism Areas | | | The Government recently stated that it is examining a proposal for the notification of new tourism-worthy areas in Jammu region, including Doda District.
Doda, nestled amid breathtaking landscapes, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual significance. However, its true tourism potential is still far from fully realized. The government’s intent to identify and notify new tourism sites could serve as a catalyst in unlocking hidden gems across the district and beyond.
According to the information provided by the government as part of the promotional strategy for the financial years 2024–25 and 2025–26, several events have been organized and publicized in Doda district. The events included the Lavender Festival, Winter Festival, Mega Wrestling Competition, promotion of Maa Chandi Yatra, One-Day Mela at Bhal Padri (Bhalessa) and the Lal Draman Snow Festival, among others, to enhance tourism awareness and attract visitors.
Officials of Tourism Department participated in 11 tourism marts during the financial year 2025–26 to promote key destinations of the Jammu Division and many more activities are planned in the coming months to further place Jammu region on the tourism map.
The government’s intent and initiatives are laudable. However, the success of the ambitious plans will depend on a holistic and sustainable approach. The government needs to ensure that after notifying new tourism areas robust infrastructure development needs, including road connectivity, accommodation facilities, sanitation, and digital access are provided to the visitors. Only notifying any area as tourist destination is not enough.
While developing the new tourism areas, the authorities need to ensure that increased tourist footfall does not disrupt the fragile ecological balance of these pristine areas.
Moreover, local communities must be made active stakeholders in this transformation. Skill development programs, promotion of local handicrafts, homestays, and community-based tourism models can ensure that the economic benefits of tourism reach the grassroots level. This inclusive approach will not only generate employment but also strengthen social cohesion and cultural preservation.
The focus on lesser-known destinations also aligns with the broader goal of decongesting popular tourist hotspots and distributing tourism benefits more evenly across the region. By doing so, the government can create a more resilient and balanced tourism ecosystem.
The move to identify and notify new tourism-worthy areas in the Union Territory is both timely and strategic. If implemented with careful planning, sustainability, and community participation, it has the potential to place Jammu region on the national and global tourism map. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
