Srinagar, Dec 15 (KNO): The Union Ministry of Tourism has approved multiple tourism infrastructure initiatives in Jammu & Kashmir. These projects, sanctioned under flagship schemes like Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD, and the Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development (ACATID), aim to bolster tourism facilities and elevate the overall visitor experience in the Union Territory.
Minister of Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed the Lok Sabha that development of tourist destinations is primarily the responsibility of States and UT administrations. The Centre complements these efforts by providing financial assistance through centrally sponsored and central sector schemes .
Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, multiple projects were sanctioned for Jammu and Kashmir in 2016-17 under the Himalayan Circuit.
The projects according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) include development of tourism infrastructure on routes covering Jammu–Srinagar, Pahalgam–Anantnag, Salamabad, Uri, Kargil, Leh with an outlay of Rs 77.33 crore.
The development of tourist facilities was done in Jammu, Rajouri, Shopian and Pulwama with a cost of Rs 81.60 crore. The construction of tourism assets damaged during the 2014 floods under the PM Development Package at a cost of Rs 90.43 crore and development of tourist facilities at Mantalai and Sudhmahadev with an allocation of Rs 91.99 crore was also sanctioned.
In addition, under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme, the Centre sanctioned Rs 40.46 crore in 2016-17 for development works at the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar, aimed at improving pilgrimage amenities and visitor facilities .
The Ministry has also extended support under the ACATID scheme in Jammu and Kashmir. Projects include a sound and light show at Dal Lake in sanctioned in 2012 at a cost of Rs 5 crore, and manufacture of glass-top coaches for the Quazigund–Baramulla rail route as part of a Rs 12 crore multi-state project to boost tourism-related rail experiences, the reply said—(KNO)