Jammu, March 13: The Jammu and Kashmir government has stepped up efforts to develop Lal Draman, Galadhar, Dessa, and Dedni in Doda West as emerging eco-tourism destinations, focusing on infrastructure upgrades and promotional activities.
In response to a query by BJP legislator Shakti Raj Parihar, the tourism minister informed the Legislative Assembly that a calendar of events and targeted campaigns have been launched to boost tourism in the region. Notably, a Winter Festival was held at Lal Draman on February 2, 2025, while the Lal Draman Mela took place on 5–6 August 2023.
The Minister said that in Lal Draman, a double-storey guest house, bio-toilets, viewpoints and fencing have been set up under the Capex Budget at a cost of Rs 155.63 lakh. “A 9 km link road from Bijarni to Lal Draman, sanctioned at Rs 748 lakh has 7.2 km completed, though progress is stalled due to legal and alignment issues. An entry gate was also installed this financial year,” the government reply reads.
In Galadhar, the government said that a Rs 62.99 crore Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared for a 17 km road project. Additionally, pathways from the main road to Lal Draman are being constructed at Rs 14.23 lakh under the Rural Development Department.
“In Desa, a Rs 7 crore road project under CRIF is progressing, connecting Mangalthatha and Bhata Dessa, with 6.5 km of the 10 km stretch completed. More roads to Sheinkhely and other remote hamlets are planned under PMGSY-IV,” the government told the House, adding that in Dedni, a 10 km road from Humble to Dedni, sanctioned under CRIF in 2018-19 for Rs 14.27 crore, has seen 7.5 km of earthwork completed, pending forest clearance for further progress.
However, the government admitted that no formal tourism potential survey or feasibility study has been conducted in these areas so far. With improved connectivity and infrastructure, Doda West is being positioned as a new eco-tourism hub, provided development efforts continue at pace.
