Schemes to boost tourism in India’s Kashmir around the year
Monday, 9 December 2013 00:00
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Reuters: The provincial government of India’s Kashmir is all set to introduce new schemes to boost tourism round the year, with an aim to facilitate employment opportunities for residents of the valley.
Speaking to media persons, Director Tourism, Talat Parvez, said that Kashmir is known not only for its beauty but also for its different seasons, which attract tourists throughout the year. The decision by the government is to exploit this fact and ensure employment for residents throughout the year.
“If we look at the number of tourists during the peak season, it is more than the carrying capacity. Considering this as a prime reason, many tourists prefer visiting Kashmir when the rush is less. We have decided that we should not have a specific tourist season but have it round the year whether it is autumn or spring and winters. The tourists’ number should remain the same as during the summer season. To facilitate this, the government has decided to introduce new schemes to define the focus areas so that by implementing this we may also garner employment for everyone in the valley throughout the year,” said Parvez.
Meanwhile, tourists feel that a visit to Kashmir provides them a heavenly experience and the fear of militancy should not be a reason for deterring tourists from visiting the valley.
The Himalayan region is one of the world’s most militarised zones, with India deploying more than 1.3 million troops to quell the rebellion that triggered off in 1989.
Dismissing fears of militant threats as exaggerated, a tourist, Neetu spoke of the joy and thrill she is experiencing during her stay in the valley.
“I have been to Kashmir for the past three months. When we had decided to visit Kashmir, our relatives asked us to avoid the trip due to the rising militancy in the valley. But when we actually came here we realised that there is no other beautiful place in the entire country. Kashmir gives you a heavenly feel,” said Neetu.
Many other tourists visiting the valley said the golden colour of Chinar tree leaves during the autumn season leave the tourists spellbound. This season also marks the beginning of winters in Kashmir, as the locals collect fallen Chinar leaves and burn them during winters.
During winters, the Chinar tree and the pleasant climate attract visitors. Autumn season starts in the valley from mid-September till 21 December.
