Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora along with Minister of State for Tourism and Home, Nasir Aslam Wani Wednesday laid foundation stone of a recreational park at Pahalgam which would be developed at the cost of Rs. 3.10 crore.

Addressing the people on the occasion, Tourism Minister said this year a record number of tourists visited J&K which was due to peaceful atmosphere. “More than 17 lakh tourists including 11 lakh country tourists and 6.5 lakh yatris visited the Valley,” he said.

The Minister, according to an official statement, said the peace is very imperative for development and also for tourists sector. He said government was hopeful that next year the number of tourists to the Valley will touch 20 lakh.

The Minister said that the Government is going to construct a world class club in Pahalgam with latest facilities including swimming pool etc.  

The minister said there is a great tourism potential and if “we succeed fully exploring new tourism destinations, more and more tourists of national and international level will visit the State and will boost revenue and a good chunk of youth would be engaged with this sector.”

Referring illegal commercial construction at Pahalgam, the Minister took a strong note of it and asked the people to cooperate with Government for maintaining natural beauty of this famous tourist resort.

GK