Rs 7.37 cr tourism project sanctioned for Kishtwar-Sinthan Top circuit: Priya

                JAMMU, JANUARY 23: Minister of State for Tourism, Priya Sethi today informed the Legislative Assembly that the Centre has sanctioned Rs 7.37 crore tourism projects for the development of tourism infrastructure on Kishtwar- Sinthan Top circuit.

Replying to a Question by G M Saroori, the Minister said that Rs 5.89 crore have been released in the first instance for taking up various components envisaged in the tourism project at Sinthan Top, Dedpath and Mughal Maidan. She, however, said that the works on some components were delayed due to litigation and non-issuance of forest clearance. She said the government was vigorously pursuing the court case to get the stay vacated, while tenders have been floated for Mughal Maidan after getting forest clearance and the work would be started shortly.

         Giving details about other tourism projects for the mountainous district, the Minister informed that Rs 13.68 crore have been spent on the development of tourism infrastructure at Kurya Mughal Maidan and Chatroo by the Kishtwar Development Authority.

Responding to a specific question by the Member, the Minister informed that presently there was no proposal to set up separate tourism development authority for Inderwal, She said   such development authorities are established as per feasibility, tourism potential, tourist foot fall, availability of resources and other allied parameters. She further informed that the department created  five Development Authorities last year viz   Shopian-Dubjan-Peer Ki Gali Development Authority, Bani-Basohli Development Authority, Hygam-Ningli-Tarzoo Development Authority, Tosa-Maidan Development Authority and Nubra Development Authority .