Excelsior Correspondent
DODA, May 30: Tourism Industry being the backbone of the State economy is the cutting edge of the socio-economic status of all the three regions of the State.
This was stated by the Minister for Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora while inaugurating the 2nd Annual Grameen-cum-Tourism festival at famous lush green Lal Draman.
Minister of State for Tourism and Culture Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Doda Abdul Majid Wani. District Development Commissioner, Doda Farooq Ahmed Khan, SSP Doda Arif Rishu and CO 10 RR Doda Tanay Kotial accompanied the Minister.
The 2nd annual Grameen-cum-Tourism Mela, Lal Draman was organized by the District Administration in collaboration Tourism Department, Academy of Art Culture and Languages and Army.
Saying said that the coalition Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed for the development of unexplored tourist destinations in the State, Mr Jora said that tourism infrastructure has been developed in Bhaderwah and now the same will be replicated in other parts like Doda and Kishtwar.
The Minister announced that for the development of Lal Draman which is said to be the Gulmarg of Doda, a tourism development consultant will be engaged to prepare a master plan within few months and then the Tourism infrastructure development work at Lal Draman will be taken up in a phased manner. He said Tourism Department is a facilitator and acts as a catalyst and it is up to the people of the District especially unemployed youth to avail benefits of the fastest growing sector in the country.
He said that Government is committed to help the people to create tourism related infrastructure in the State and asked the unemployed youth to avail benefit of tourism schemes and opt tourism as a career option. He said for success of any developmental scheme people participation, peace and harmony is pre-requisite component for the on-ground and fruitful implementation and welfare of masses.
Mr. Jora said that tourism being the most affected industry during turmoil in the state has yielded record breaking results on revival and the inflow of tourists has increased manifolds in the State, He said it was possible because the people love peace and harmony for the multi faceted development of the State.
Minister of State for Tourism Nasir Aslam Wani said that Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who explored Lal Draman was also highly impressed with the pristine and virgin beauty. Lal Draman will be developed as one of the attractive tourist destination of the region and said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has a mission to develop and connect the far flung and hilly areas of the State on priority basis.
Splendid cultural programmes were presented by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art Culture & Languages, Sub-Office Doda which kept the Ministers and audience spell bound. The main attraction of the programme was Kashmiri cultural identity Band Pathr which was highly appreciated by the audience which propagated the message of wild life conservation, health and hygiene and environment conservation.
Siraji folk songs, Bhaderwahi songs, Kashmiri songs and Dogri songs were also the attractions of the Mela.
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