Srinagar, March 10: The Jammu and Kashmir government has allocated significant funds to various tourism development authorities over the last two years, aiming to enhance infrastructure and promote tourism across the Union Territory. The details were revealed in response to a question raised by MLA Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone, in the Assembly.
In response, the government provided a detailed breakdown of the funds allocated to different tourism authorities. According to the official figures, the Lolab-Bangus-Drangyari Development Authority received ₹130.00 lakh in 2022-23 and ₹99.00 lakh in 2023-24 under the revenue head, while capital expenditure stood at ₹128.37 lakh and ₹99.81 lakh, respectively. Similarly, the Hygam-Ningli-Tarzoo Development Authority was allocated ₹14.50 lakh in 2022-23 and ₹28.00 lakh in 2023-24 for revenue expenditure, with capital allocations of ₹147.57 lakh and ₹134.61 lakh.
Gulmarg, one of J&K’s premier tourist destinations, received significant funding, with ₹880.45 lakh under revenue and ₹834.90 lakh under capital expenditure in 2022-23. In 2023-24, the figures stood at ₹586.45 lakh and ₹440.84 lakh, respectively. The Sonamarg Development Authority was granted ₹220.30 lakh (revenue) and ₹515.75 lakh (capital) in 2022-23, increasing to ₹234.71 lakh and ₹635.83 lakh in 2023-24.
The Manasbal Development Authority secured ₹270.00 lakh in 2022-23 and ₹233.00 lakh in 2023-24 for revenue expenses, while capital allocations were ₹221.23 lakh and ₹236.26 lakh. The Tosamaidan Development Authority received ₹2.80 lakh in 2022-23 and ₹9.00 lakh in 2023-24 for revenue, with capital spending at ₹88.31 lakh and ₹97.78 lakh, respectively.
The Doodhpathri Development Authority was provided ₹198.50 lakh (revenue) and ₹203.75 lakh (capital) in 2022-23, while in 2023-24, it received ₹161.00 lakh and ₹230.34 lakh. The Yousmarg Development Authority obtained ₹155.00 lakh (revenue) and ₹161.25 lakh (capital) in 2022-23, followed by ₹161.00 lakh and ₹122.34 lakh in 2023-24.
The Aharbal Development Authority received ₹173.00 lakh in 2022-23 and ₹143.00 lakh in 2023-24 for revenue, while capital funding stood at ₹107.00 lakh and ₹186.15 lakh. The Shopian-Dubjan-Peer-ki-Gali Development Authority was allocated ₹60.00 lakh and ₹42.00 lakh in 2022-23 and 2023-24, respectively, for revenue, with capital expenditure at ₹135.63 lakh and ₹115.73 lakh.
The Verinag Development Authority was granted ₹153.82 lakh in 2022-23 and ₹154.00 lakh in 2023-24 for revenue, while capital allocations were ₹157.75 lakh and ₹128.89 lakh. Similarly, the Kokernag Development Authority received ₹175.00 lakh (revenue) and ₹303.50 lakh (capital) in 2022-23, while in 2023-24, it got ₹238.75 lakh and ₹246.80 lakh.
Pahalgam, another major tourist hub, received ₹1300.00 lakh under revenue and ₹604.14 lakh under capital in 2022-23, while in 2023-24, it secured ₹1062.67 lakh and ₹463.08 lakh. The Kishtwar Development Authority was given ₹126.00 lakh (revenue) and ₹162.91 lakh (capital) in 2022-23, followed by ₹118.00 lakh and ₹198.30 lakh in 2023-24.
The Bhaderwah Development Authority was provided ₹365.00 lakh in 2022-23 and ₹282.00 lakh in 2023-24 under revenue expenditure, while capital funding was ₹150.00 lakh and ₹106.60 lakh, respectively.
Additionally, the government highlighted its efforts to promote tourism in Kupwara district, including infrastructure development, eco-tourism projects, and cultural promotion.
