Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 7: Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora inaugurated first of its kind Tourist Reception Centre at Sonamarg, constructed at a cost of Rs. 2.77 crore by Sonamarg Development Authority.
Minister for Forests, Environment and Ecology, Mian Altaf Ahmad was present on the occasion.
The dignitaries were informed that the Centre is equipped with all hi-tech facilities for tourists, which include internet facility, ATM of J&K Bank and site for ATMs of other banks. The Centre has a Tourist Officer’s room, library, waiting hall, double bed room facility in four huts and International Youth Hostel with Adventure Sports facility.
The Ministers on the occasion inspected Sonamarg Club already constructed by Sonamarg Development Authority, providing the facilities of international recreation, health club, restaurant and conference hall with seating arrangements for 100 persons.
Yatri Niwas with double bed room facility with parking and restaurant constructed at Sonamarg has earned revenue of Rs. 1 crore during last financial year, the Ministers were informed.
Addressing an impressive function on the occasion, Mr. Jora said that by virtue of the visit of foreign tourists to the State, several opportunities of earning livelihood have come up for the poor and deprived sections of the society and also the economic status of the Jammu and Kashmir has improved. He said that the State Government has taken up several concrete steps for strengthening the tourist infrastructure by investing crores of rupees on different projects related to the tourism sector.
However, the Minister appealed the people to treat the tourists in a very humble and hospitable manner so that the message of love and tranquility goes with them to different parts of the country as well as the places outside the country.
He said that the Central Government has already taken up the project of constructing at Z-More so that the distances are shortened and important tourist destinations get fillip through these highways.
The function was also addressed by Forest Minister, Mian Altaf Ahmad, who said that the Government is doing its best to provide all the possible facilities at various tourist spots for attracting more and more tourists to the State which in turn fetches lot of income to the people connected with the tourist business.
The District Development Commissioner, Ganderbal, Showkat Ahmad Mir, Managing Director JKTDC, Satish Nehru, Chief Executive Officer, Sonamarg Development Authority, Mohammad Yousuf Bhat and large number of people and tourists attended the function.
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