J&K witnessing golden period, says L-G Sinha

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a golden period as 80 lakh tourists visited the Union Territory in the last few months, a record in the last 15 to 20 years, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said here on Saturday.

He also highlighted several initiatives of the government to boost tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.

The LG flagged off an event titled ‘Athwas’, a unique partnership between citizens and authorities for the rejuvenation of the Dal Lake. Under the project, de-weeding and dredging of the waterbody will be carried out in collaboration with the citizens. He said the government is planning to clean 3,600 waterbodies across UT this year.

“Several activities are happening (on the tourism front), 3,500 shikaras row the lake each day and I think no activity can be bigger than that. Around 400-500 (tourists) arrive here every day. The number of flights has increased,” Sinha said.

He said the Dal Lake has become cleaner and will be restored to its pristine glory soon. “There are provisions for Rs 136 crore in the budget for cleaning the lake. Money had come before as well, but I do not think it was utilised as it is being done now. The lake has become better and the change is visible,” Sinha said. On the conservation of Wular Lake, Sinha said that a walkway is proposed to be built along the lake which will enhance the beauty of Wular as also help in preventing encroachment along it.

‘Kashmir getting visitors due to CRPF’S good work’ Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla on Saturday lauded the CRPF personnel for neutralising many hardcore terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir and ensuring security due to which tourists were flocking to the Valley.