Jammu, March 2: In a bid to accelerate tourism infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir, Commissioner Secretary Tourism, Yasha Mudgal, chaired a high-level review meeting at the Civil Secretariat to assess the CAPEX Budget 2024-25 of the Tourism Department. Mudgal directed the tourism officials to adopt proactive approach to promote sustainable and eco-friendly tourism.
The meeting also focused on evaluating the performance and operational efficiency of Tourism Development Authorities (TDAs) across the region. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Administrative Secretary PWD (R&B), Managing Director JKTDC, Director Tourism Kashmir, Director Tourism Jammu, CEOs of various Tourism Development Authorities, Chief Engineers PWD (R&B), Director Planning Tourism Department, and other key officials.
During the discussions, Mudgal underscored the importance of optimal fund utilisation and timely completion of projects, directing executing agencies to ensure that all initiatives slated for the current financial year are completed without delay. Emphasising streamlined administrative processes and quality service delivery, she urged the authorities to adopt a proactive approach in promoting sustainable and eco-friendly tourism. She also stressed the need to leverage digital platforms for outreach and foster public-private partnerships to boost tourism infrastructure. Reviewing the CAPEX Budget allocations for TDAs, Mudgal called for transparent financial planning, efficient fund utilisation, and strict adherence to project deadlines. She directed officials to prioritise high-impact projects capable of significantly enhancing tourism revenue and generating employment opportunities. The Commissioner Secretary further highlighted the need for inter-departmental coordination to remove bottlenecks, expedite approvals, and facilitate the seamless execution of tourism projects. She instructed officials to establish a robust monitoring mechanism to ensure accountability and efficiency in implementing tourism-related initiatives. With tourism being a key driver of J&K’s economy, the government aims to strengthen infrastructure, improve visitor experiences, and position the region as a top travel destination. The review meeting reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to accelerating tourism development while ensuring sustainability and efficiency in project execution.
