Srinagar, Dec 10 (KNO): The Government of India (GoI) has sanctioned Rs 256.46 crore for a series of tourism development projects in Ladakh to bolster the region's growing tourism sector. This key announcement was made by Minister of Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, during a Lok Sabha session on December 9.
According to details obtained by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the allocated funds will be directed towards several initiatives under the schemes of Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, and Assistance to Central Agencies, with the aim of promoting infrastructure and enhancing adventure tourism.
Shekhawat said the Ministry of Tourism is playing a crucial role in supporting initiatives to cultivate tourism, including promoting local events and leveraging social media campaigns. "Efforts such as the Incredible India Digital Portal and the launch of the Incredible India Content Hub are designed to provide stakeholders in the travel industry with accessible resources to promote India as a leading tourism destination," he said.
Key components of the funding include Rs 77.33 crore for developing tourist facilities along vital routes and Rs 86.39 crore earmarked for facilities in Anantnag, Pulwama, Kishtwar and Zanskar regions. The minister said Rs 91.84 crore has been allocated for developing infrastructures for the Gulmarg-Baramulla-Kupwara-Kargil-Leh route.
He said the government also plans to enhance community involvement and sustainable tourism growth through its newly introduced Ladakh Homestay Policy 2023. This initiative aims to equip local households with essential kits to establish homestays, thereby promoting rural tourism and supporting skills development through institutes like the State Institute of Hotel Management (SIHM), he added.
To regulate adventure tourism, Ladakh has implemented comprehensive Guidelines for Adventure Activities and Registration for Adventure Tour Operators, which align with the National Strategy for Adventure Tourism 2022. This framework takes into view safety, sustainability and eco-friendliness, with operators required to renew their registrations every three years.
Other noteworthy measures include the Sewerage Treatment Plant Incentive Scheme 2022, aimed at minimising environmental impacts from tourism activities by promoting decentralised wastewater treatment solutions in small accommodations, the minister said.
Established in 2021, the Ladakh Tourist Police Unit continues to offer critical support and safety to visitors at popular destinations such as Khardung La and Pangong Tso—(KNO)