Reaffirms Push to Make Banihal a Tourism Hub
RK News Service
Gool, June 7: MLA Banihal-Gool, Sajjad Shaheen, on Saturday inaugurated the Gool Mela at Narsinga in Gool, an event aimed at promoting the region’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential.
The mela has been organised by the Directorate of Tourism Jammu in collaboration with the district administration Ramban and features a range of cultural and recreational activities showcasing the area’s traditions and natural beauty.
The event witnessed the participation of thousands of people from across the district, making it one of the largest public gatherings in the area in recent years.
Addressing the gathering, Sajjad Shaheen expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his unwavering commitment towards promoting tourism in the unexplored and unexposed destinations of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that the present government firmly believes that tourism should not remain confined to a few traditional spots, but must reach every corner blessed with natural beauty and cultural richness.
“The organisation of Gool Mela is a reflection of the National Conference government’s resolve to bring remote destinations onto the tourism map of Jammu and Kashmir,” he remarked.
He thanked the Tourism Department and the District Administration Ramban for taking prompt steps to translate that vision into reality through the successful organisation of the mela.
Sajjad Shaheen also lauded the people of Gool and the local administration for their enthusiastic participation and warm hospitality, saying that the overwhelming public response had made the event a grand success.
He referred to the approval of two Micro Hydel Projects, the ambitious plan to develop Tata Pani as a premier Health and Wellness Tourism Destination, and the recent launch of the prestigious ₹3 Crore Bathing Ghat Project, describing them as major milestones in the region’s growth story.
The MLA further stated that several scenic destinations including Godha Gali, Dagan Top, Rama Kunda, Mahoo-Mangit, Neel and Sargali-Pogal are being systematically promoted and developed as emerging tourist destinations, which will create employment opportunities for local youth while boosting the rural economy.
The MLA also appreciated the efforts of the Directorate of Tourism, District Administration Ramban, local stakeholders and the people of Gool for making the event memorable.