Leh (Ladakh), June 16 (Scoop News) – Taking stock of various tourism related projects under implementation in Ladakh region, J&K Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah said that present day scenario of environmental pollution and climate change, effecting ecology and bio-diversity has emphasized the significance of eco-tourism. “Our future is subservient to safeguarding the invaluable natural wealth, God has gifted us in plenty”, he said and highlighted the role of youth in this direction.
“In a State like Jammu and Kashmir where tourism is predominantly dependent on natural beauty”, he said adding that everyone has a role to play in the stupendous task of conservation of forests, water bodies, wetlands, highland pastures, flower meadows, and help reduce pressure and unnecessary human interference on lofty mountains, clad with glaciers, giving birth to fresh water rivulets, brooks and streams. “Youth have an important role to play in this regard in creating awareness among the people”.
The Chief Minister said that maintenance of this kind of environment necessitates focused attention on development and growth of eco-tourism in the State. “This will help us to achieve twin objectives of preserving the natural beauty and attracting tourists from across the world”, he said. He said the State offers wide ranging tourist attractions adding that mountaineering, paragliding, trekking, mountain biking, skiing, rafting, kayaking, canoeing and other adventure sports have huge potential in the development of tourism. “Encouraging such sports will also generate greater economic activities for young people, we can also showcase these aspects of State’s tourism scenario and rope in adventure loving tourists in large numbers”, he maintained.
Omar said that he has directed the Tourism Department and Development Authorities to concentrate on this aspect and make eco-tourism benchmark of infrastructure development in the tourist areas. “The haphazard constructions in tourist places mar the beauty and tell upon the ecological balance. We have to be cautious enough and fully vigilant while developing tourist infrastructure. Every care has to be taken to safeguard the environment and ecology of the tourist places”, he stressed.
The Chief Minister said that Government has embarked upon a scientific and environment friendly tourism development policy to restore the pristine glory of the State and help develop the State as first tourist choice in the world.