Jammu/ Poonch/Srinagar, May 12 (Scoop News) – Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah said that Jammu and Kashmir is known as ‘heaven on earth’ for the enchanting and mesmerizing natural beauty. “If this specialty is polluted and no care taken for its protection and maintenance we will be deprived of this gift of God”, he said.
Addressing a public gathering after inaugurating Rs. 35 lakh eco-tourism facility at Dera Ki Gali (DKG) on Mughal road in Poonch this after noon, the Chief Minister said that preservation of tourist resorts and green wealth along with water bodies and environment is the need of hour. “Everyone of us has to contribute positively in this stupendous task”, he said asking the people to be part of the government’s strategy for protection of environment and ecology of the state.
He underscored the importance of eco-tourism for conservation and protection of state’s natural resorts and green wealth.“Tourist infrastructure should necessarily be in conformity with the environment and ecology of the area”, he said adding that government has given categorical directions for creation of environment friendly tourist facilities in the new areas to be showcased for national and international tourism.
Omar said that hapizard constructions and big buildings at various tourist places have told upon the scenic beauty and serenity of these places. “Such a practice should not be repeated in other areas”, he asserted.
Omar thanked the Union Government especially Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson s. Sonia Gandhi for providing Rs. 650 crores for the completion of Mughal road project. He said the road would not only link the Poonch and Rajouri districts with the Valley but open new vistas of economic prosperity for the people living in far flung areas.
The Chief Minister also laid foundation of the walk ways and tracks for tourists to move around on foot and enjoy the beauty of the area. This is the part of Rs. 9 crore eco-tourism project envisaged for the Dera-ki-Gali and adjacent areas.
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