J&K govt to lease land for tourism development

In order to promote tourism and attract high-end tourists to Jammu and Kashmir, the state government has decided to lease out land to private parties at various tourist resorts in the state.

"The government has finalised the policy for leasing out of land to the private investors, through open auction, at the existing and upcoming tourist resorts to facilitate development of top-notch infrastructure including accommodation and related facilities for tourists," Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baig, who has additional charge of Tourism Ministry as well, said.

In the first phase, 25 plots of various sizes are being auctioned at the world famous tourist resort of Gulmarg, which is likely going to be the venue of 2010 Common Wealth Winter games.

The decision to privatise land at tourist resorts has been taken after good tourist seasons in last couple of years. "Government's resource constraints are impeding development of resorts that could compete in the global tourism market," Baig said.

According to official figures, about one million tourists including four lakh Amarnath pilgrims visited Kashmir valley last year alone. The influx has put tremendous stress on the existing infrastructure thus leading to serious re-thinking in government.

"Private investment in the tourism sector is imperative for the development and expansion of world-class tourist resorts as there is an urgency to develop quality infrastructure at a fast pace," Baig said.

State government has been earmarked seven crore rupees for developing world famous tourist resort of Gulmarg.

Similarly, the state government has already negotiated with Asia Development Bank (ADB) to finance Rs 240 crore for developing Sonamarg as a complete tourist resort.

"The government's thrust is to boost income generating sectors particularly tourism which could transform the economic structure of our state," said Baig.