J&K government decides to develop Bangus valley as tourist destination; will throw open the site for public next year.
J&K government decides to develop Bangus valley as tourist destination; will throw open the site for public next year
SRINAGAR: Even as the controversy over a tourism expedition to the Siachen glacier rages on, the Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to develop the virgin Bangus valley very close to the line of control as a tourist destination. The site will be thrown open to nature-lovers next year.
“Officers concerned and local legislators will visit the area within a week to understand infrastructure requirements,” said chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.
The union ministry of tourism has already sanctioned Rs2.31 cr to develop the necessary infrastructure in the area. Spread over 300 sq km, Bangus is a lineal bowl at an altitude of 10,000 feet comprising around 100 lush green meadows surrounded by mighty mountains in Rajwara area of the border district of Kupwara. Add to it the gushing streams, exotic flora and fauna and wildlife - it’s the nature-lover’s delight.
“We are creating basic tourism infrastructure without altering the natural ambience of the site. The project report is ready, the development will cost us Rs4.77 crore,” said Sarmad Hafeez, joint director of the tourism department.
Guest lodges and rest houses, a tourist information centre, interpretation centre and chairlift are all planned. The tourism department is also planning to improve trekking routes by laying wooden bridges in consonance with the natural environs of the valley.
“We are trying to maintain the eco-system of the place and that is why we are going carefully about developing it. We are planning to make tents available for tourists so that they can trek and enjoy the natural beauty of the place,” said Sarmad.
The government is also planning to organise a festival at Bangus to attract tourists, but only after basic infrastructure is created. It recently assured legislators that security and environmental concerns will be addressed.
“We will also improve the road network so that access to the place 95 km from Srinagar becomes easy,” said Sarmad.
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