Tourism in border areas has revived: CM Omar Abdullah

Jammu, March 10: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today stated that the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) and international border has led to a revival of tourism activities in frontier areas. Replying to a supplementary question raised by Member Sajad Shafi regarding his Uri constituency, the Chief Minister, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, informed the House that as the border areas are slowly opening after the ceasefire along the LoC and border, tourism is witnessing a positive trend due to the prevailing peace in the region.
“It is true that Uri has huge border tourism potential. Tourists have started visiting areas like Uri and are eager to explore places such as Aman Setu and other scenic locations. Our priority is to enhance tourism infrastructure in these regions,” Omar Abdullah said.
In response to a starred question from the member, he stated that the feasibility of establishing a Zipline or Cable Car project from Lagama to Baba Farred Garkote in Uri Constituency would be assessed by the Tourism Department. However, he clarified that no such proposal is currently under consideration.
The Chief Minister further said that the development of locations such as Rustom and Nambla Waterfalls, with their inclusion under the Border Tourism Programme, would be considered in the future, subject to feasibility and availability of resources.
Highlighting the potential of adventure tourism, he noted that Bijham and Limber Waterfall/Limber Wildlife Sanctuary are well known for attracting adventure enthusiasts.
The Tourism Department has undertaken several initiatives for the holistic development of these areas, he said.
The Chief Minister said that while the department does not directly operate paragliding activities, it facilitates them through private adventure tourism operators.
Additionally, capacity-building programs are conducted for aspiring trainers, and permissions for paragliding are granted after a feasibility survey.
Regarding camping facilities, the Chief Minister informed that the Tourism Department facilitates and grants permission for setting up of camping colonies at the Gantamulla reservoir on the banks of River Jhelum.
The government has already developed key tourism assets to facilitate visitors traveling from Baramulla to Salamabad, Uri.
These, he said, include the development of Khadinyar Park, a tourist cafeteria and TIC at Boniyar, a tourist cafeteria at Salamabad in Uri, and a Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) at Salamabad. Additionally, the gutted cafeteria at Eco-Park Khadinyar has been reconstructed.