With nearly two lakh visitors from 76 countries expected to attend the 'Himalayan Hemis Mela' in Ladakh region next year, the state government said it would accord highest priority to the event and seek assistance from the Centre to ensure its success.
The assurance was given by Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to chief executive councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, Rigzen Spalbar, who called on him here yesterday, an official spokesman said today.
He said Spalbar apprised the CM of issues pertaining to promotion of tourism in Leh district and sought government assistance in the success of 'Himalayan Hemis Mela' being organised in July next year.
"Nearly two lakh visitors from 76 countries are expected to participate in the mela. However, due to meagre resources available with LAHDC Leh, the mega festival cannot be organised by the Council on its own," the spokesman, quoting Spalbar, said.
The chief minister assured Spalbar that the State government would accord highest priority to the festival and take up the matter with the Union Ministries of Tourism and Culture to ensure its success, given the impetus it would provide to Ladakh's tourism sector.
On the issue of increasing flight frequency to Leh from Delhi and Srinagar, Sayeed said the matter would be pursued with the Civil Aviation Ministry so that more flights are operated from Delhi to Leh and Srinagar.
Spalbar also briefed the Chief Minister about the three-day Sindhu Festival, being organised from June 12, and the Hemis Mela, scheduled to be held on June 26 this year.
Both the festivals, which are visited by a large number of domestic and overseas tourists, play a key role in promotion of tourism and cultural heritage of Ladakh region.
Placing high priority on honing the skills of local youth, the chief minister laid emphasis on linking the tourism industry of Ladakh with its handicraft sector so that local economy and internal revenue generation is increased.
Spalbar also briefed Sayeed about the steps being taken to promote carpet and pashmina weaving, besides advances made in wood craft and paintings depicting rich culture of Ladakh region, the spokesman said.
