New Delhi, Dec 15: The Union Ministry of Tourism has implemented a series of targeted initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir to advance green and eco-tourism. These efforts form a key component of the Ministry’s nationwide strategy to foster sustainable and responsible tourism practices across India.
Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed the Lok Sabha that the ministry has formulated a National Strategy for Development of Ecotourism, which has been circulated to all States and Union Territories, including Jammu and Kashmir for adoption and implementation at the local level.
The Minister also said that eco-friendly practices have been made mandatory under the Guidelines for Star Classification of Hotels. These include installation of sewage treatment plants, rainwater harvesting, scientific waste management, pollution control measures and use of non-CFC equipment.
He added that the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism and the ‘Travel for Life’ programme are also being promoted to encourage tourism stakeholders and visitors in J&K to adopt sustainable tourism practices.
On tourist safety, the Minister informed that Jammu and Kashmir is among the Union Territories where dedicated tourist police have been deployed to strengthen on-ground safety mechanisms for visitors. He said the Ministry has been consistently engaging with State and UT administrations to ensure safety and security of tourists .
The Centre has also urged States and UTs to utilise the Nirbhaya Fund for projects aimed at enhancing safety of women tourists at key destinations—(KNO)
