Srinagar, Apr 07: The Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation intends to install a ropeway project (Gondola) from Yatri Niwas Pahalgam to Baisaran, the Tourism Department said in response to a question raised in the Assembly.
Altaf Ahmad Wani, MLA from Pahalgam, had asked a starred question regarding whether the government intends to start a Gondola service from Pahalgam to Aru Valley and Baisaran.
In a written reply, the Minister in charge of Tourism stated that while the ropeway from Yatri Niwas Pahalgam to Baisaran is being planned, the Pahalgam to Aru Cable Car project is not proposed at present due to the need for a feasibility study and the substantial financial implications involved.
MLA Wani had also inquired about the initiatives being undertaken to promote Pahalgam as a tourist destination. The government responded by saying, “Pahalgam is a famous tourist destination which has vast stretches of green forests, wild life, recreation parks, pastoral land, rivers, high altitude lakes which renders it fit as a destination for eco-tourism, adventure lovers, trekkers. Besides, Pahalgam has assumed additional importance as it is located enroute Shri Amar Nath Ji Cave which receives lakhs of yatris every year.”
“As per the provisions envisaged in the Master Plan 2014-2032, the Pahalgam Development Authority is taking initiatives to promote eco-tourism, adventure tourism and cultural tourism in the area, including protection of the fragile environment for sustainable tourism by way of development of infrastructure, promoting tourism while also focusing on cultural aspects and engaging youth in tourism activities,” government said.
The reply from the Tourism Department stated that major steps are being taken to protect the fragile environment and to promote eco-tourism, adventure tourism, cultural tourism, and winter activities.
“These steps include the augmentation of the Solid Waste Treatment Plant at Pahalgam, augmentation of the 2.00 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Pahalgam, development of tourism infrastructure through the upgradation of existing recreation spots and marketplaces, and the development of infrastructure along the yatra route such as campsites, huts, and helipads,” the government added.
