Srinagar/Jammu, December 03 (Scoop News) – Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora while speaking at the 2nd meeting of Yusmarg Development Authority (YDA) convened here today to take stock of tourism developmental activities being carried out by the Authority, he directed to train the local youth in adventure sports like Para-gliding, zobing, rock-climbing and trekking, adding that the trained youth would be provided loans upto Rs 10 lakh with 30 percent subsidy on purchase of equipment for establishing their own kiosks.
Jora asked the YDA to pool all the resources for development of adventure tourism in Yusmarg, and asked them to rope in reputed consultants from across the country, besides seeking the help of Jawahar Lal Institute of Monitoring (JIM) for the purpose.
Minister for Finance, Abdul Rahim Rather who is also the member of the Authority was present in the meeting.
Commissioner/Secretary Tourism, Atul Dulu, Commissioner/Secretary Finance, Sudhanshu Panday, Special Secretary Tourism, Altaf Husain, District Development Commissioner Budgam, Rafi Mohammad, Chief Executive Officer, YDA, Iftikar Husain Banday and Chief Town Planner,
Jora asked the executing agency of YDA not to disturb the natural beauty of Yusmarg which is nature’s great gift in the form of calmness, majestic slopes and vast meadows, while undertaking development works.
“We must restrain from raising concrete structures in health resorts as visitors come to enjoy virgin and scenic splendor of the State in its chaste form”, Jora added. He cautioned the executing agencies against faulty planning and tampering with the indigenous landscape by superimposing artificiality, adding that it has no relevance in view of State’s enormous and heart throbbing natural beauty.
Rejecting the proposal for raising fabric glass kiosks in the area, Jora directed for setting up of wooden kiosks having local architecture ambience to showcase state’s unique woodwork by local artisans.
The Minister called for undertaking major works which could be completed in one go instead of planning multiple minor works which spill over for years due to limited funds.
Jora instructed for formulating a comprehensive plan for construction of State of art tourist reception complex and club hut for Yusmarg so that it is submitted to Centre for funding as early as possible.
.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs Abdul Rahim Rather, who is also local public representative, called for developing Yusmarg as an adventure hub for tourists. He instructed the concerned officers and engineers to remodel works plan as per the new master plan of Yusmarg Development Authority. He also urged for opening of adjoining areas of Yusmarg for trekking to high slopes of Burga and Dragtollan. He said Yusmarg is liked for its leisure and tranquility by the people seeking solace and mental peace, adding this aspect of this important tourist destination needs to be preserved at all costs.
Rather directed the officers of YDA to shift its office from
The Chief Executive Officer YDA gave a power-point presentation on the development works in Yusmarg and said that construction of two parking slots one each for light and heavy vehicles, rain shelter and installation of 16 high mast lights have been completed, while an integrated pilgrim tourism plan for Phakharpora Shrine is also underway. The plan includes construction of modern public convenience, main gate for shrine, passenger shed and other facelift works, he added.
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