Post-2014 flood : Tourism projects worth Rs 519 cr completed in J&K

Srinagar, Jul 22: In a major drive to promote tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, the Central Government declared completion of six key tourism infrastructure projects under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.The projects, together with an approved outlay of ₹519.58 crore, are spread across several locations in the Union Territory and are a significant milestone in post-2014 floods recovery, sustainable development of tourism, and regional integration.Sanctioned in 2016-17, the projects were designed to develop inclusive tourism through the establishment of strong infrastructure in lesser-known destinations. The circuit ranges from Jammu, Srinagar, Pahalgam, Bhagwati Nagar, Anantnag, Salamabad Uri, Kargil, Leh, Rajouri, Shopian, Pulwama, Mantalai, Sudhmahadev, Zanskar Padum, Daksum, and Ranjit Sagar Dam. These destinations have been provided with enhanced public facilities, interpretation centers, cultural amenities and connectivity improvement.The Swadesh Darshan Scheme, a banner program by the Ministry of Tourism, is intended for developing theme-based tourist circuits in India. It has been launched in Jammu and Kashmir with the overall intention of connecting nature, culture, spiritual and adventure experiences to attract more tourists while benefiting local economies.One of the major pluses of the completed projects is the rehabilitation of infrastructure that was destroyed in the destructive 2014 floods. The Central Government had set a priority for reviving vital tourist facilities under the Prime Minister’s Development Package. The outcome is a rejuvenated infrastructure backbone that is once again equipped to handle the increasing number of tourists to the area, restoring not just physical facilities but also the confidence of the tourism industry.As per officials, the tourism industry employs more than 2.15 lakh workers in the Union Territory, with another few thousand earning their living indirectly through related sectors like transport, handicrafts and hospitality. With the improvement in infrastructure, tourism stakeholders believe there will be a leap in visitor traffic, which will create new employment opportunities as well as increased economic activity.The government has not yet quantitatively evaluated the jobs created in these projects, there is hope among local tourism stakeholders. “When the infrastructure becomes better, more tourists arrive, stay longer and spend more. That is how the whole ecosystem prospers,” claimed a local hotelier in Pahalgam.Jammu and Kashmir saw an eye-popping 7.66 crore tourists between 2020 and 2024, including 1.47 lakh foreigners. The figures once again establish the Valley as a favorite destination among India’s most popular places, courtesy of its natural appeal, diversity of culture and distinct geography.Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Tourism Minister , while reacting to the completion of the projects, stressed the need for strategic investments in connectivity. “Regional infrastructure strengthening is the key to making Jammu and Kashmir accessible and attractive to international tourists. These projects are a step in that direction,” he added.