The natural beauty of Kashmir has attracted tourists from across the globe over the years. But inflow of tourists in the valley has also increased civic problems for the region also known as heaven on earth.
Some of these problems have found answers from Gujarat-based Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (Cept) University. Faculty members at Cept, Prof Saswat Bandhopadhyay, Prof CK Koshy, Prof Shravan Kumar Acharya and Prof CN Ray of Cept University are camping in Kashmir to impart lessons in urban planning and management.
Talking to DNA, Prof Bandhopadhyay said that officials from the state are keen to learn lessons in urban planning. "Tourist inflow had become negative which affected the region's economy. Now, tourist inflow is rising in Kashmir and officials there are keen to learn how to maintain infrastructure despite this," he said. Officials believe that if Kashmir is kept clean and proper facilities are provided, more tourists would be attracted to the valley boosting the state's economy.Also, they are keen to understand what kind of urban development projects could be started in the valley.
He said officials have been explained the importance of drinking water supply, solid waste management, lake interlinking, and other issues. "Solid waste is a big problem for Kashmir, especially with increasing tourists.Tourists also stay in houseboats and so maintaining lakes is also a challenge," said Prof Bandhopadhyay.
Cept has been identified as the regional hub institute to conduct training programmes for capacity building for urban officials in regions like Kashmir as a part of a regional capacity building hub programme under the ministry of urban development.
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