STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said the focus of the development framework for tourist resorts in the State should be not only planned growth of these destinations but also creating economic opportunities for the local communities.
“Unfortunately, the tourism destinations in Jammu and Kashmir have pursued development strategies without proper planning and without considering the impact such lopsided development brings to the environment and the local communities,” the Chief Minister said while reviewing the progress of Master Plan-2032 for the tourist resort of Gulmarg.
Mehbooba said being labour-intensive industry, tourism has the potential to be major source of employment and income for diverse populations.
Mehbooba said the focus of the Tourism Master Plan for Gulmarg should be upgradation of this scenic destination using sustainable development principles and retrieving the past glory of this world-famous resort. “It should at the same time address the issues of ecological conservation, economic growth, sanitation and local participation,” she said.