Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department on Tuesday said that it has spent more than Rs 500 crore over the past two years on the upgradation of tourism infrastructure and promotional activities, resulting in record tourist arrivals across the Union Territory.
In response to a query, Tourism Minister said that Rs 253.75 crore were allocated in 2023-24 and Rs 268.42 crore in 2024-25 under the Capex budget for tourism infrastructure. “However, no centrally sponsored scheme was implemented during the period,” he said.
He said that the department allocated Rs 50.50 crore for advertisements and publicity, of which Rs 42.74 crore were utilised.
He added that the campaigns led to a major boost in tourist inflow and the emergence of several new destinations.
“Over 4 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir in the past two years, an unprecedented figure considering the region’s population of 1.3 crore. Foreign tourist arrivals also saw a rise, from 19,000 in 2021-22 to 47,000 in 2022-23,” the minister said.
He also said that offbeat destinations such as Gurez, Bangus, Doodhpathri, Aitham, and Basohli have gained popularity due to the department’s promotional drives.
“Jammu and Kashmir has also emerged as a major film-shooting hub, with several movies including Leo and Dunki filmed in the region,” he said
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir government has denied that residents living around Mir Behri Dal Lake, Khushalsar, Gilsar and Nigeen lakes face severe restrictions in constructing residential houses or lack basic facilities.
In a written reply to a question by MLA Tanvir Sadiq, the Housing and Urban Development Department, said that all permissions in these areas are governed by the Srinagar Master Plan 2035 and court directions.
The government, however, acknowledged that it is “aware about the Right to Life as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India and recognised globally under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” along with related Supreme Court rulings.
On whether residents would be permitted to construct eco-friendly homes, the department said that all building permissions in the area are regulated and approved only as per the Master Plan Srinagar-2035 and directions issued by the High Court. (KNO)