Dr VK Saraswat tours Pahalgam, Chandwari

ANANTNAG: Member NITI Aayog, Dr V K Saraswat today conducted a comprehensive tour of Pahalgam and adjacent areas to review the measures being taken to increase tourist footfall to the world famous tourist resort.

The visiting dignitary held a threadbare discussion with senior officials including Chief Executive Office, Pahalgam Development Authority, Syed Sajad Qadri; SDM Pahalgam, Syed Naseer Ahmad; SE R&B, SE Jal Shakti, DD Fisheries and AD Tourism regarding the tourist footfall in the area, amenities available to the tourists, lodging capacity, attractions, developments being undertaken for tourism and with regard to SANJY 2023.

The renowned scientist said that Pahalgam is famous for its meadows and as a grazing ground for sheep. He said that while wool production is on the rise in the UT, focus must also be laid on setting up wool processing facilities which will help the herders fetch better prices and also add jobs to the economy.

CEO PDA gave a brief overview of the area, the role of Pahalgam Development Authority, initiatives taken by the Tourism department for increasing footfall and the return of film crews to the resort. He said that adventure tourism is the focus area to attract high value tourism to the area which will boost development. He also informed the dignitary that while skiing attracted a good number of tourists to the area, the department will also be starting paragliding. He said a lot of tourists visit Pahalgam for rafting also.

The visiting dignitary later also visited Betaab Valley and Chandanwari areas and took stock of the facilities developed for tourists and in connection with SANJY 2023.

The dignitary was accompanied by CEO PDA, SDM Pahalgam, Tehsildar Pahalgam, SDPO Pahalgam, AD Tourism among others.