Up and away on balloon rides in Kashmir valley

The "cable controlled" aero-balloon will provide an aerial view of the Dal lake, the topmost tourist attraction, an official spokesperson said.

State tourism minister Nasir Aslam Wani, who launched the facility yesterday, said it is an attempt to attract more tourists as well as to provide employment opportunities to local entrepreneurs.

Wani, who also holds the portfolio of state home minister, said, "The government is making alternate arrangement for security forces who have occupied hotels at the Dal lake to increase accommodation capacity for tourists."