Progress of Ganderbal tourism projects reviewed

Stein Museum, Tourist facilitation Center coming up in district under PMDP

SRINAGAR, JUNE 9: MLA Ganderbal Ishfaq Jabbar and Director Tourism Kashmir Mahmood A Shah Friday reviewed the progress of twin tourism projects at Ganderbal being developed under Prime Minister’s Development Programme.

Under the PMDP, the Tourism Department is developing Mohan Marg and Lar Marg spots in the district for adventure tourism besides exploring its potential for farm tourism.

The Mohan and Lar Marg meadows have historic importance where Sir Aurel Stein translated famous Rajtarangi book from Sanskrit into English in 1930s.

Stein spent many summers at Mohan Marg meadows translating the Rajtarangi book. After the completion of his translations works, Stein erected a memorial at the place to commemorate his achievement.

The Department is developing Stein Museum, Tourist Facilitation Centre at the cost of Rs 3 crore in the area. Mohan Marg and Lar Marg are adjacent meadows at 15 kilometer distance from the district headquarters.

The MLA said that Ganderbal dsitrict has an important location on the tourism map of the Valley as it is a transit point for tourist destinations like Mansabal, Gurez, Sonamarg and Ladakh region. This district is significant as such it needs focused attention for tourism development, he added.

Director Tourism said the Department is developing and will promote Mohan Marg and Lar Marg as farm tourism spaces and utilize it adventure potential to the full. He said the Department will also encourage home stays as many tourists pass by Ganderbal district to reach to many tourist destinations.

He said the front of Sindh River flowing through the district headquarters will also be developed and beautified.