Kupwara, Aug 24: A crucial meeting of all stakeholders was held on Thursday here to “further explore and boost” the tourism potential of this north Kashmir’s frontier district.
The meeting was chaired by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lolab Bungus Drangyari Development Authority (LBDDA) Ghulam Jeelani.
Kupwara district in the last couple of years has seen a new bloom of tourism. It was only after a renewed February 2022 ceasefire pact between Indian and Pakistani armies at the Line of Control (LoC) that the region witnessed calm, and saw a new dawn of border and religious tourism.
The meeting held at the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) Kupwara was attended by the elected representatives and those associated with tourism activities, traders, hoteliers, and other stakeholders, an official told KNO.
During the meeting, the participants put forth their suggestions on how to uplift and further promote tourism in the district.
CEO LBDDA Ghulam Jeelani said the interactive session was aimed at gathering feedback from all stakeholders. “They are more connected with the people from different areas. Suggestions about area-wise development were sought,” he said.
Citing an example, he said that BDC from Keran knows more about the area and shared ideas on the required development and aspirations of the people.
All these suggestions are aimed at creating ideas on how to move forward, Jeelani said. He informed that a plan will be prepared on how to develop the areas of Lolab, Bungus and Drangyari. He said this year’s Bungus mela is scheduled to be held on 31st August.
The concept is to work on a participatory basis by involving people, the CEO said, adding that the elected representatives and the stakeholders have a great knowledge of the topography of Kupwara.
Asked about the strategy, he said further steps will be initiated based on the latest concepts of tourism promotion and infrastructure development.
The CEO, as per the official, assured the participants that he would immediately start working on the suggestions received. “The dearth of infrastructure, manpower and funds were also discussed during the meeting,” he said.
“The Lieutenant Governor administration is very particular and more inclined towards uplifting the tourism sector and development,” Jeelani said.KNO
