CS, J&K said sustainable development of tourism destinations is our priority, but what about the master plan of PDA?

The World Bank team concluded its 4-day visit with various recommendations on interventions required for the new project. The World Bank team visited several tourist sites and handicraft production units during their brief stay in Kashmir and reported on their observations.

Both parties agreed that the World Bank will primarily serve as a knowledge partner in supporting the development of new tourism destinations and the promotion of the handicraft industry.

The two sides also discussed project funding requirements and made a request to the visiting World Bank team to extend the World Bank-funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Rehabilitation Project (JTFRP) for one year.

In his speech, the Chief Secretary for Administration said the Government’s focus is to ensure sustainable development of all tourism destinations, thereby enhancing the contribution of the tourism industry to the Sustainable Development Goals.

He said that while tourism has the potential to contribute immensely to the economy of Jammu and Kashmir, the government should also formulate strategies to preserve the ecology of tourist spots and ensure planned development in sync with the natural environment.
He said that the Tourism Development Authority needs to be strengthened to promote the development of tourist attractions, but the problem is that the master plan of the development authority has not been finalized. How can development be carried out? The master plan of the Patantop Development Authority has not been revised for many years? If it has not been revised, how can new development be carried out?

In concluding the visit, the World Bank team gave a detailed account of the visit, reiterating its strong commitment to sustainable development and support for the Jammu and Kashmir State Government’s new project to better manage tourist attractions.

The team stressed the need to have an overall strategic vision for tourism development, formulate spatial plans for tourist destinations, and ensure orderly development.

Among other issues discussed, the team also stressed the need to develop sustainable indicators to build facilities to better maintain tourist destinations. They also discussed the need for private sector participation in investing in building tourism facilities, the need for the government to promote business by expediting paperwork and customs clearance, and the need to develop a clean and green brand.

The meeting was attended by the World Bank, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Principal Secretary, Finance Department, Secretary, Commissioner of Tourism, Director, Kashmir/Jammu Tourism, Managing Director, JKTDC, Director, Kashmir Handicrafts and Handlooms and other senior officials.