Jammu & Kashmir Forest Minister Main Altaf Ahmad today said that Bangus Valley is emerging as a potential tourist place with forest department constructing two rest houses (Aramgah) at a cost of Rs. 10 lakh to put all necessary infrastructure in place. He directed completion of the twin projects by December end.

This was stated by the Minister while reviewing the progress of the project at an officers meeting here today.  The Minister, according to an official statement, said that these (rest houses) would be instrumental in providing boarding and lodging facilities to the visiting tourists. He said Government is endeavoring to develop eco friendly tourist infrastructure at various tourist resorts of the State to strike balance between development and ecology.

Mian Altaf said tourism sector is the mainstay of state’s economy as it provides livelihood to a large number of local populace both directly and indirectly. He said the sector also provides marketing support to the artisans dealing with world famous Kashmiri handicrafts of exquisite beauty.

The Minister called upon people to help in keeping the environment pollution free and preserve the flora and fauna, terming  the same vital for sustenance of tourism in the State.

Commissioner Secretary Forests,   Shantmanu, Principal chief conservator forests,   R.K.Tiwari, Chief Conservator of Forests Kashmir   Manzoor Ahmad, Director Tourism,   Farooq Ahmad Shah, Conservator Forests (Noorth Circle)   Farooq Ahmad Gilani and DFO, Langate,Irfan Rasool were present on the occasion.

Greater Kashmir