Banihal, May 23: National Conference leader and MLA Banihal Sajjad Shaheen today flagged off a two-day trekking festival from Neel Top to Hansraj Top organized by the Tourism Department in collaboration with the District Administration and Khah Charitable Trust.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from a large number of local youth, trekkers, adventure lovers, and tourists from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
The festival aimed at promoting eco-tourism and highlighting the immense tourism potential of the picturesque areas of Neel and adjoining regions of Banihal-Gool constituency.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Sajjad Shaheen said that Banihal-Gool possesses unmatched natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, vast meadows, forests, trekking routes, and unexplored tourist destinations which need to be brought prominently on the tourism map of Jammu and Kashmir.
He announced that the upgradation of the Chamalwas–Neel road, development of a Nagarwan Park at Wasamarg Neel, and establishment of a tourist rest house in the area will be taken up to strengthen tourism infrastructure and improve facilities for visitors.
He further announced that Tourism Melas will soon be organized in Gool and Mahoo-Mangit to showcase the breathtaking natural beauty, cultural richness, local traditions, and tourism potential of these areas.
He said such initiatives will not only promote tourism but also generate livelihood opportunities for local youth and help strengthen the rural economy.
Welcoming the proposed Katra–Kulgam via Nandimarg-Gulabgarh four-lane connectivity project, Sajjad Shaheen termed it a major step towards improving Jammu-Srinagar connectivity and opening new avenues for tourism and economic development across the mountainous regions falling along the proposed corridor.
He said the project will significantly boost the tourism circuit and help connect several unexplored destinations of Banihal, Gool, Mahoo-Mangit, and adjoining areas with the outside world.
The MLA also said that the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed to ensuring balanced development and equal recognition to the region’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity.
He stated that local dialects and languages including Khasha, Pogli, Siraji, Bhaderwahi, and other native languages represent the unique identity and heritage of the people and deserve full encouragement, preservation, and promotion.
A colourful cultural programme featuring traditional folk music and performances was also organized during the event, reflecting the vibrant culture and hospitality of the region.
The participants appreciated the initiative and demanded regular organization of such tourism and adventure activities in the area.