The centre is set to spend over Rs 2000 crore for different tourism projects in Jammu and Kashmir for a turnaround of tourism in the state. A Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for implementation of these projects in the state was signed among Ministry of Tourism, public sector construction companies NPCC and NBCC and Government of J&K.
The union ministry of tourism under the new initiative - development of tourism in the state– New Projects has sanctioned two projects to NPCC and NBCC in the state for implementation in September 2017.
Officials said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the development Package (Reconstruction Plan) for Jammu and Kashmir on in November 2015.
The two projects sanctioned are - Integrated Development of Tourist facilities at Gulmarg – Baramulla – Kupwara – Leh to NBCC and Integrated development of tourist facilities at Mantalai – Sudhmahadev – Patnitop in Jammu and Kashmir to NPCC.
Officials said that major components sanctioned under the projects are Yoga centre, wellness SPA, Log Huts, heliports, Open air theatre, walking trail, landscaping, solar lighting, solid waste management and public amenities.
A tourism ministry official said that the initiative will help in overall development of the state as tourism sector employs thousands of micro and small entrepreneurs, especially from the hospitality sector. A boost in tourism promotes small entrepreneurs associated with sectors such as – hotels, lodges, handicraft, tourist guides etc, added the official.