SRINAGAR: Days after Tosamaidan in central Kashmir was opened as an eco-tourist destination, the Jammu and Kashmir government today asserted that 65 sq km of land was de-mined by the Army and made safe for civilian activity. “We have been informed by the Army that 65 sq km of land in Tosamaidan has been demined and it is safe for civilian activities,” Education Minister Naeem Akhtar said in Legislative Assembly today.
Mr Akhtar was responding to a question posed by main opposition National Conference (NC) working president Omar Abdullah about the status of the demining in the area. “Government needs to come out clear about the status of the demining as Tosamaidan has been opened for tourist. If demining has not been done, it could put the lives of tourists in danger. Government should assure us that the place is safe,” Mr Abdullah said.
Mr Akhtar said that the government will ensure that Tosamaidan doesn’t become a concrete jungle like other tourist destinations, including world famous ski resort of Gulmarg and health resort of Pahalgam. “We are conscious about the fact that we don’t want Tosamaidan to be a concrete jungle like other tourist destinations. That is why Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has asserted that Tosamaidan will be promoted as an eco-tourist destination.”
“We will hire the best people to develop it as an eco-tourist destination. But the thumb rule will be that there will be no concrete construction in Tosamaidan. We can allow concrete construction in the peripherals, but not in the internal parts. We will help the habitants of the area to upgrade the interiors of the resort,” Mr Akhtar said.
Meanwhile, replying anther question in the Lower House regarding connectivity of the resort, he said the government has a special plan to improve the road link to all tourist destinations in the State.
Ms Mufti had few days ago given credit to Mr Abdullah for removing firing range from Tosamaidan. More than 60 civilians were killed and several hundred were injured when unexploded shells went off in the firing range and nearby villages, since the land was leased to Army in 1965 as firing range. (AGENCIES)
Follow our WhatsApp channel