Kupwara: The District Development Commissioner (DDC) Kupwara Khalid Jahangir on Thursday stressed upon the concerned officers to put in joint efforts to develop district Kupwara as a tourist destination.
The DDC chaired a meeting of concerned officers to review the arrangements for the ensuing Bangus valley festival.
A threadbare discussion was held in the meeting wherein the officers briefed the DDC about the measures being taken for the development of the tourism sector of the district.
The DDC gave an overview of the tourism potential of the district and asked officers to ensure concerted and joint efforts for developing tourist destinations of Kupwara.
“Nature has bestowed Kupwara district with scenic beauty, lush green forests, and clear crystal water bodies,” DDC said in the meeting.
The meeting reviewed the action taken report on decisions and instructions conveyed by J&K Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha during his visit to Bangus valley last year.
The DDC asked officers to create facilities for a day picnic at Bangus.
The officers were directed to outsource the waste collection, use signage with good messages and ensure installation of dustbins, solar lights at prominent spots of the Bangus.
He also advised for the holding of sports and athletic activities including horse riding, tug of war, hill cycling, race, volleyball and Kabaddi tournament.
He asked officers to ensure that any development in the Bangus should be eco-friendly.
“It is in our hands to maintain the beauty of Bangus. Stakeholders should cooperate in its caretaking as well,” he said.
He directed the officers to develop Drangyari as a gateway to Bangus and develop an eco-park there as well.
He asked for development of all three roads leading to Bangus for providing equal opportunity of livelihood to the local populace.
The DDC said that Kupwara has various other destinations including Lolab valley which has also a great scope for tourism development.
He asked officers to create facilities for the visitors and refurbish the Rest Houses at Chandigam, Reshwari, T.P and other locations and also augment water and power facilities there.
While taking a review of sanitation and cleanliness of Kupwara town and vicinity, Khalid Jehangir directed the concerned to lift all garbage and plastic waste from the river banks and road sides and make Kupwara town free from plastic waste.
