New Delhi:
The Ministry of Tourism on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening tourism infrastructure and promotion in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, while responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
Union Minister for Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, stated that although the primary responsibility for developing and promoting tourist destinations rests with the respective State or Union Territory administrations, the Ministry continues to extend substantial financial assistance under its flagship schemes — Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive).
The Minister said the schemes are designed to support key infrastructure and visitor amenities, which may include last-mile connectivity, public conveniences, CCTV systems, log huts, and other components proposed by project authorities.
Major Projects Sanctioned Under Swadesh Darshan
Shekhawat highlighted that six major projects under the Himalayan Circuit were sanctioned for J&K in 2016–17. These include:
Development of the Jammu–Srinagar–Pahalgam–Bhagwati Nagar–Anantnag–Salamabad Uri–Kargil–Leh circuit at a cost of ₹77.33 crore.
Tourist facilities at Jammu–Rajouri–Shopian–Pulwama with a sanctioned cost of ₹81.60 crore.
Creation of tourist assets damaged during the 2014 floods, supported under the Prime Minister’s Development Package, with funding of ₹90.43 crore.
Infrastructure development at Mantalai and Sudhmahadev with a sanctioned cost of ₹91.99 crore.
Development of tourist facilities across Anantnag, Pulwama, Kishtwar, Pahalgam, Zanskar, Padum, Daksum, and Ranjit Sagar Dam, sanctioned at ₹86.39 crore.
Tourism enhancement works in Gulmarg, Baramulla, Kupwara, Kargil and Leh, funded with ₹91.84 crore.
PRASHAD Scheme Support
Under the PRASHAD Scheme, the Ministry also sanctioned ₹40.46 crore in 2016–17 for the development of the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar — one of the region’s most significant spiritual landmarks.
Expanded Tourism Promotion Efforts
The Ministry emphasized that it continues to promote destinations across the country, including J&K, through extensive ongoing campaigns. These efforts include digital outreach, dedicated tourism websites, participation in national and international travel events, support for fairs and festivals, and thematic road shows aimed at showcasing India’s diverse tourism offerings.
The Ministry reiterated that it remains committed to nurturing the tourism potential of Jammu & Kashmir through collaborative development and sustained promotional initiatives.
