J&K govt considering ropeway at Verinag

Jammu and Kashmir government is mulling to construct a ropeway system at the famous tourist resort of Verinag, in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, to tap the tourism potential of the area.
"With a view to tap available tourism potential in south Kashmir, the government will construct a ropeway at Verinag tourist resort," Minister for Tourism, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, said yesterday.
Mir, who visited the proposed site of the ropeway project, asked the State Cable Car Corporation for engaging a reputed consultancy for the design and preparation of detailed project report so that necessary funds are arranged by the government.
The minister was apprised that Verinag Development Authority (VDA) has already submitted detailed project report for Rs 50 crore to the administrative department for development of various tourist spots besides creation of infrastructure under the jurisdiction of VDA.

The minister also instructed the authorities concerned to ensure environmental clearances before taking up the projects.
Mir said the government was exploring the possibility of developing a new tourist circuit involving places like Verinag-Khanabal-Kokernag-Simthan to prolong the stay of tourists from different parts of the globe in south Kashmir.