Yatri Niwas to come up at Sharda temple
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 8: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today announced the Government’s plan to build a “Yatri Niwas” at Sharda Temple that was opened in Teetwal near the Line of Control (LoC) two years ago saying a Detailed Project Report (DPR) at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore is in progress.
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He said the Government is committed to empower youth in border areas such as Karnah, Keran, Machhil and Gurez by equipping them with vocational skills to promote tourism-driven economic growth.
The Chief Minister sought the help of legislators concerned to help the Government register the households willing to convert their homes into Homestays.
“The Tourism department has so far registered six Homestays in Karnah and five in Teetwal. More needs to be done to provide income opportunities to the local population,” he said, adding it is a fact that the Karnah constituency in Kupwara district has immense tourism potential.
“The region is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and strategic location near the LoC,” Omar said.
He said Teetwal, Karanoo in Nawagabra, and Budnambal villages have tourism potential.
“These areas, offer breathtaking landscapes and lush meadows and have cultural significance making these attractive destinations for tourism. These areas have the potential for nature tourism, adventure tourism and cross-border heritage tourism,” he said, adding the Tourism department has taken several initiatives to bring these villages on the tourist map.
“We have witnessed tourist footfall in Gurez, Karnah, Keran and other border areas. Our Government has set up a special provision in the budget to impart training to the youth to enhance their skill and chances of employability,” the Chief Minister said.
He said the Tourism department has organised several festivals in the border areas to promote tourism, featuring cultural and musical events, an all-terrain vehicle rally from Kupwara to Teetwal, nature photography sessions, trekking, camping and horse riding.
A mega yoga festival was also organised by the Tourism Department in collaboration with other departments in Karnah in June to promote tourism in the area, Omar said.
Meanwhile, Omar stated that the beautification of Arnia and Bishnah will be undertaken under District Capex works, while sanitation efforts are already being carried out through municipalities.
The Chief Minister provided this information while replying to a supplementary question from BJP MLA Bishnah Rajiv Kumar Bhagat in the Legislative Assembly.
Earlier, in his starred question, the MLA had inquired about a special package for the beautification of Arnia and Bishnah towns in the Bishnah constituency.
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