Srinagar, Aug 01: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said there was a significant surge in tourism
being witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a gathering at Charar-e-Sharief in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, the LG revealed that 1.27 crore tourists have already visited the Union Territory this year. This number is expected to surpass the previous year’s record, indicating a promising trend for the tourism industry in the region, the LG said in his address.
Highlighting the remarkable progress in the region, the Lieutenant Governor stressed the importance of a peaceful atmosphere for development and prosperity. He recalled the challenges faced by locals in the past due to uncertainties, which adversely impacted local businesses. However, he expressed joy over the current situation, stating that the region enjoys uninterrupted business activities, and schools and colleges are functioning normally.
The LG expressed hope that the tourist arrivals would continue to increase, attracting even more tourists by the year-end. To accommodate the growing number of visitors, the administration is investing in developing quality tourist infrastructure across the Union Territory to provide the best facilities to guests, he said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the positive impact of tourism on the local economy. “With an increasing number of tourists, the livelihoods of local shopkeepers, taxi drivers, hotel owners, and shikara operators are flourishing. This boost in the tourism sector ultimately contributes to the overall improvement of the region’s economy,” he said. To promote education, the Lieutenant Governor announced plans to establish a full-fledged centre of Kashmir University in Budgam district, ensuring better access to quality education for the local population. Additionally, he assured the gathering that the district hospital in Budgam would offer comprehensive healthcare facilities to the people. Regarding employment opportunities, the administration has taken proactive measures, he said, adding that so far 30,000 youth have secured jobs through transparent recruitment processes. LG Sinha promised that further recruitment drives would commence in September, providing more employment opportunities for the region’s aspiring youth. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized his commitment to practical and achievable goals, avoiding empty promises that cannot be fulfilled. He acknowledged the importance of maintaining transparency in governance, ensuring accountability for the commitments made.
