Srinagar, June 15 (KNS): In a bid to expand tourism in Jammu Kashmir, commissioner secretary tourism Samad Hafeez said that 75 untapped tourist destinations have been identified, which will be promoted a eco-tourism destinations in the Union Territory.
Talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Hafeez said 75 tourist destinations have been identified and are under consideration for eco-tourism promotion, where there will be no requirement of construction, which can harm the environment of these eco-fragile tourist destinations.
He said that these 75 eco-tourist destinations will be kept eco-friendly, and no construction will be allowed to take place as they want to keep these places as they are.
He said that they have a calendar of festivals to promote these eco-tourism places with minimum facilities, so that the visitors may enjoy nature only.
“Since Jammu Kashmir is witnessing massive tourist footfall, it’s important for us to maintain the beauty of tourist places and keep them clean,” he said.
He added that they have given clear instructions to the staff to ensure that these tourist places are kept neat and clean as massive human intervention can create problem, because the ecology of tourist places is always of prime concern.
He said that in trekking they are allowing limited number of trekkers and at the same time they are being instructed not to carry any plastic or polythene with them.
Sarmad said that major responsibility lies on visitors and stake holders to ensure that these tourist places are kept clean.
"We are involving NGOs and students to create awareness among the people to maintain the ecology and beauty of our tourist places", he added. (KNS)