JAMMU, APRIL, 11 (KNO) : Minister for Tourism Tassaduq Hussain Mufti today stressed on taking measures to promote tourist footfall around Patnitop by strengthening infrastructure, creation of adequate facilities for the visitors and better solid waste management for preserving natural ambience and ecology of the area. The Minister is on 2-Day tour to the Patnitop to take stock of tourism infrastructure scenario and developmental works being executed by different agencies to develop the area as a key tourist destination of the region.
The Minister visited Sudhmahadav, Mantalia Tourist Reception Center, Baglihar Dam and Batote where he inspected pace of progress on various tourism projects. The Minister took detailed review of works taken up under ‘Integrated Development of Tourism facilities in Mantalai’ being executed by National Construction Corporation Limited (NPCC). The Minister was informed that the work is in full swing on all components, including Tourism Facilitation Block, Yoga Centre, Children Play Area, Camping House, Meditation, Heliport and Solar Park. The Tourism Minister directed the concerned departments to synergize their efforts for completing the works in the stipulated timeframe. He asked the senior functionaries to hold regular reviews to get necessary feedback on the status of work and implementation of the initiatives on the ground. He said that infrastructure needs to be developed without disturbing the natural ambience of the place and its surrounding ecology.
Tassaduq Mufti directed the concerned for organizing mass awareness programmes to involve the locals in tourism development programs, besides encouraging locals and tourists to opt for paying guest accommodations. He directed the department to prepare the local youth for self- employment, with special focus on tourism related trades. The Minister sought coordination and cooperation among departments to achieve set targets in time.
He also stressed upon concerned officials to work in synergy and enthusiasm to achieve tangible results on the ground. He also directed for creating better working conditions for the staff so that they can serve in a more professional manner and deliver their best. While interacting with the tourism stockholders, the Minister urged them for taking measures for maintaining cleanness, sanitation and opting cluster composition for better waste management in the area. Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Joint Director Tourism, General Manager JKTDC, CEO Patnitop Development Authority, CEO Bhaderwah development Authority and several other senior officers accompanied the Minister.