Develop infrastructure in Pir Panchal districts: Mehbooba to

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today directed the Tourism department to focus on creation of tourism-based infrastructure in the Pir Panchal districts of Rajouri and Poonch in view of its huge potential in heritage, adventure and border tourism.
"Rajouri and Poonch districts have a huge potential in heritage, adventure and border tourism. The Tourism department is directed to focus on creation of tourism-based infrastructure that help in attracting tourists to the area and are also important from tourism promotion point of view," Mehbooba said while chairing a high-level meeting here.
The Chief Minister took a comprehensive review of key developmental projects in the Pir Panchal districts and called for a proactive approach to expedite implementation of infrastructural and developmental projects in the region.

While taking sector and scheme-wise review of the developmental programmes and projects under implementation in the twin districts, she gave specific directions to the concerned administrative secretaries with regard to these and directed the concerned executing agencies to speed up the work on all such key projects so that these are completed within the set time-frame.
Mehbooba noted that tourism infrastructure needs to be developed keeping in mind its relevance to the region and also its linkage to creation of livelihood opportunities for locals in the area.
She underscored the importance of development of wayside facilities along the Mughal Road which connects the two districts with the valley, highlighting its direct relevance to the development of tourism in the Pir Panchal region.

While reviewing the key projects under the tourism sector, the Chief Minister was informed that various projects have been proposed under Prime Minister's Development Package (PMDP), including development of tourist facilities viz cafeteria, pathway, landscaping, tourist benches at Loran and cafeteria, approach road, landscaping, pathways, parking, tourist benches and lighting at Jalian in Poonch.

Similarly, tourism projects in Rajouri include development of tourist facilities at hot spring- Tata Pani, Rajouri Development Authority Midway Complex and tourist facilities around Rajouri Qila Dantitop.
The tourist facilities are also being developed at Noori Chamb and Peer ki Gali.
While as trekking routes with base camp facilities for tourists shall be developed with regard to development of seven lakes as a tourist destination in the Pir Panchal region, an official spokesman said.