Govt. to construct Ropeway at Verinag: Mir

SRINAGAR, (KMW News): With a view to tap available tourism potential and to woo more tourists in the south Kashmir, the Government will construct a rope way at Verinag tourist resort. Besides, the Government also exploring possibilities to develop a new tourist circuit involving the places like, Verinag–Khanabal–Kokernag–Simthan to prolong the stay of tourists from different parts of the globe.
The Tourism Minister, Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Mir today visited the proposed site of the rope way project and directed the Cable Car Corporation authorities for engaging reputed consultancy for its design and preparation of detailed project report so that necessary funds are arranged by the Government. The Minister also instructed the concerned authorities to ensure Forest and Environmental clearances before taking up the project.
Commissioner/Secretary Tourism, Mr. Atul Dulloo, Director Tourism Kashmir, Mr. Talat Parvez, Managing Director Cable Car Corporation, Mr. Tafel Matoo, In-charge Managing Director, JKTDC, Mr. Shamim Ahmed Wani, Chief Executive Officer, Dooru -Verinag Development Authority, Mr. Nazir Ahmed Thakur were among those accompanied the Minister.
The Minister also instructed concerned authorities to formulate project reports for Central Government funding for developing tourist circuit in the area. He directed that the development of all the potential spots should be incorporated while formulating the project reports.
The Minister said that government has already mooted three projects with an estimated cost of Rs. 5 crore to the Centre for funding to carry out beautification works, besides creating tourist amenities at Verinag.
The Minister was apprised that Verinag Development Authority has already submitted detailed project report for Rs. 50 crore to the administrative department for development of varied tourism spots besides creation of infrastructure facilities under the jurisdiction of VDA.
The Minister also inspected pace of progress of several tourism projects in Verinag. He also took stock of the under execution Rs. 5.66 crore budgeted accommodation and TRC complex at Verinag. He was apprised that development of Sarbal Lake and pilgrimage sites at Verinag are also apace at cumulative cost of Rs. 5 crore.
The Minister exhorted the concern officers for time bound completion of the tourism works in the area. He also directed for proper utilization of funds with assurance use of quality material on the projects. He said that while building the tourist infrastructure the virginity of the spots should not be harmed at any cost and it should be ensured that local aesthetic look be given to the tourist infrastructure.
Earlier, the Minister chaired a high level meeting, convened to review physical and financial status of various developmental projects in Verinag area.
Mr. Mir directed officers for ensuring balanced development in the area under various sectors. He also received appraisal from the concerned officers about the status of on-going projects and welfare schemes.
Director Local Bodies, Mr. Shafat Noor, Director Fisheries, Superintending Engineer, R&B Anantnag, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Anantnag, Division Forest Officer Anantnag besides senior officers and engineers of various departments attended the meeting.