Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, May 23: Dr. Vikas Gupta, Director Tourism Jammu, today concluded three-day visit to Kishtwar district and inspected the various assets of Tourism Department which are under construction.
He was accompanied by Chief Executive Officer Kishtwar Development Authority Kesar Bhawani, Deputy Director Tourism Savita Chouhan, Pankaj Sasan and Mamata Sharma.
During the tour, Dr. Gupta paid obeisance at the revered Machail Mata temple, inspected the dormitory which is in the final phase of construction at Machail. Gurjit Singh, Executive Engineer PWD Sub Division Paddar informed that dormitory will be handed over to the Tourism Department before the start of Machail Yatra.
Dr. Vikas Gupta reviewed the pace and quality of other works on the ground and issued necessary directions to ensure their timely completion with emphasis on pilgrim convenience.He directed CEO KDA to proceed with the outsourcing of all the assets under the jurisdiction of KDA so that the created assets are put in effective use.
At the Tourism Reception Centre (TRC), Gulabgarh, Dr. Gupta held detailed interactions with members of the local community, hoteliers, transport operators and other stakeholders.He requested the local community leaders to make the public aware about the homestay registration as the process is very simple and it will make the pilgrims feel more safer while staying in their homes.
Additionally, he made the people aware about the tourist guide registration,tour operator registration process.The community leaders discussed about the immense potential of Kishtwar region and requested Tourism Department to focus more on adventure tourism in the region.
People demanded for the construction of more Tourism guest houses in the area. He assured them that their suggestions and concerns would be duly considered and will be brought in the notice of administrative department.
He issued direction to the concerned Assistant Director Tourism to give the wider publicity to the emerging tourism destinations in the area viz Gandhari valley,Kabban valley,Buzas and Barnas areas and the Darlang meadow. Further, he directed for wider publicity of Machail Mata Yatra throughout the Jammu region .
The Director Tourism also visited Ishatayari village .The public informed him about the the cliff-hanger road and requested him to assess its potential for promotion of adventure tourism activities, including bike rallies and eco-tourism initiatives. He informed them that tourism development remains aligned with environmental safeguards and the interests of local communities.
Dr. Vikas Gupta assured the local public that he will bring the issue of Cliff hanger road to the notice of District Commissioner Kishtwar and GREF authorities and will explore it’s adventure potential and opening in near future.
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