Parliament was informed on Friday that the Centre has undertaken infrastructure projects worth over Rs 58 crore for the development of unexplored tourist destinations in Jammu & Kashmir's Kupwara district, even as local MP Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan pressed for greater Central intervention to transform the border region into a major tourism hub.

 

Raising the issue through a question in the Lok Sabha, the Member Parliament from the valley sought details of the Government's comprehensive plan to develop and promote destinations including Lolab Valley, Bangus Valley, Keran and Machil at the national and international levels.

 

In a written reply, the Ministry of Tourism stated that development works are being executed under Central flagship schemes including Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD, and Challenge-Based Destination Development. Tourist facilitation centres, reception centres, guest houses, interpretation centres, cafeterias, and public convenience facilities are being upgraded or newly established at Teetwal, Keran, Karnah, Machil, Lolab, and Bangus, the Ministry said.

 

The Government emphasised that the development model prioritises eco-tourism and border tourism, with emphasis on homestays over conventional hotels to ensure local community participation and ecological preservation.

 

On connectivity, the Ministry informed the House that all-weather road connectivity has been provided to most villages in the border belt under the Vibrant Village programme.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelTelecom coverage in border villages currently stands at 88 per cent, with the administration targeting 100 per cent connectivity by the end of this calendar year.

 

Promotional initiatives cited by the Government include familiarisation tours for travel trade professionals, the annual Lolab-Bangus Festival, International Yoga Day celebrations, and the launch of the 'Shumali Kashmir' tourism portal and a dedicated magazine to showcase the region's potential.

 

Responding to the MP's query on employment generation, the Government said skill development programmes are being implemented for local youth in hospitality and tourism-related trades. The 'Roshan Mustaqbil' youth empowerment centre has trained over 690 youth from the area in the last three years, it added.

 

In his submission, Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan reiterated the immense tourism potential of the border district and stressed the need for sustained Central support to generate employment opportunities for local youth, strengthen infrastructure, and promote inclusive economic development across the remote and border regions of Jammu & Kashmir.

 

The MP also sought specific details on budgetary allocations and the number of local youth trained under tourism-related skill development schemes during the last three years, which the Government furnished as part of its reply. (KNS)