By| Dr AR Lone
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting tourism-driven economic growth in border areas like Karnah, Keran, Machhil, and Gurez by equipping local youth with vocational skills.
While responding to a supplementary question by MLA Karnah, Javaid Ahmad Mirchal, in the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister emphasized Karnah’s immense tourism potential and the need for its further exploration. He stated that festivals like the Border Festival and Yoga Festival have been organized to showcase Karnah’s tourism and cultural heritage to the outside world. Such initiatives have resulted in a gradual increase in tourist inflow, benefiting local communities.
To enhance tourism infrastructure, the government has started registering homestays and paying guest houses in the region. So far, six homestays have been registered in Karnah and five in Teetwal. The CM urged local MLAs to support the initiative, stating that the focus should be on homestays rather than large hotels, ensuring that local people directly benefit from the tourism industry.
The government has also planned vocational training programs for unskilled youth from border areas. The CM announced that these youth would be trained in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and the Institute of Hotel Management, Srinagar, to develop skills relevant to the tourism sector. He emphasized that the government’s focus is on skill development and entrepreneurship, ensuring that the youth are trained and supported in building their future in Jammu and Kashmir.
The government has also prioritized border and pilgrimage tourism in Karnah. The Tourism Department is working on bringing Teetwal, Karanoo in Nawagabra, and Budnambal onto the tourist map due to their scenic beauty, lush meadows, and cultural significance. A significant initiative includes the construction of ‘Yatri Niwas’ at Sharda Temple, Teetwal, along with a cafeteria. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the ₹150 lakh project is currently being prepared.
Additionally, the Border Tourism Festival held in September 2022 at Teetwal featured cultural performances, music, an ATV rally from Kupwara to Teetwal, nature photography, trekking, camping, and horse riding. Similarly, the Yoga Festival, held on June 21, 2024, was organized to further boost tourism in the Karnah constituency.
During the discussion, Member Saifullah Mir suggested establishing a Tourism Development Authority to further strengthen tourism infrastructure and attract more visitors to these scenic yet lesser-explored destinations. With Karnah’s breathtaking landscapes, adventure tourism potential, and rich cultural heritage, the government’s efforts aim to transform the region into a thriving tourist hotspot, bringing economic benefits to local communities while preserving its unique identity.
