LEH : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today asked the media to take care while reporting the situation in the valley in order to avoid unnecessary speculation in the minds of tourists.
“While filing stories about various happenings, the reporters should take full care that these are not going out of the right perception and creating unnecessary speculation in the minds of tourists intending to visit the State”, Omar said.
The Chief Minister was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the annual ‘Sindhu Darshan’ festival here.
He sought the cooperation of media in the efforts of the government aimed at showcasing State’s normality and tourist-friendly atmosphere.
Stating that Jammu and Kashmir is abode of rich cultural diversity and is known world over, for its scenic splendour, Omar said the mesmerising beauty of the State has always attracted tourists of wide-ranging interests.
He mentioned the captivating scenery of Ladakh region saying this part of the State possesses unique attraction for natural beauty lovers. He stressed on preserving the heritage and cultural vastness of the region.
The CM said the tourist potential of the State has always been a strong economic advantage for it.
He said wide-ranging economic activities emanating from tourism give support to the progress and welfare of the State.
Omar said his government has initiated various measures to give fillip to tourism and showcase state’s diverse tourist attractions and rope in tourists both from within the country and outside.
He said protection and preservation of environment, forest wealth, water bodies, wildlife and natural beauty of the State has flagged most important aspect in the tourism development programme.
Expressing satisfaction over the preservation of cultural heritage by the people of Ladakh, Omar asked them to remain positively involved in the protection and conservation of environment in this region which is unique and enthralling for the lovers of nature.
The Chief Minister referred to various projects being launched in Ladakh to promote tourism and generate economic activities for the locals.
He said Trans Himalayan Centre involving a cost of Rs 25 crore is under execution in Leh while Rs 20-crore Food Craft Centre and Rs 30-crore Golf Course are also being developed here.
Responding to the demand of the people for enhancing flights to Leh from Delhi and other places and reduction in the fare, the Omar said that he would take up this issue with the Union Civil Aviation Ministry.
Omar also said he would direct the Police Department to examine the demand of Leh for enhancing the number of traffic personnel in the area to help smooth ply of traffic. (agencies)
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