Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Rs 8 cr project for conservation of Leh monasteries on anvil: Jora

LDA functioning reviewed
The Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora has said that government would take all necessary steps for conservation and preservation of the monasteries of Leh district. He said a project report of Rs. 8 crore has been submitted to the Union Government under Tourism Circuit Development Schemes for its approval. The project envisaged to develop Alchi, Rezong, Temisgam, Lamayuru Tsoltak Palace, Chemray Gompa and other monasteries of the district.
Mr. Jora was reviewing the physical and financial achievements registered in tourism sector by the Leh Development Authority (LDA) at a high level meeting, here today.
Secretary Tourism Mrs. Tanveer Jahan, Director Tourism Kashmir, Mr. Farooq Ahmmad Shah, Additional Secretary Tourism, Director Finance Tourism, Joint Director Tourism, Chief Executive Officer, Leh Development Authority, besides other senior officers attended the meeting .
The Minister was informed that a project report of Rs. 15.60 crore has been submitted to the Union Ministry of Tourism for the development of various tourist destinations in Leh district. Besides, about Rs. 4.58 crore have been sanctioned for development of 12 tourism related projects, out of which Rs. 3.67 crore stands released and Rs. 2.24 crore expanded upto May this year. 
Mr. Jora was apprised that various tourist facilities like installation of solar lights, landscaping, parking lots and view decks were created at various tourist destinations of the district.
The Minister directed the concerned officers for creating more view points, public conveniences, besides ensure maintenance of cleanliness and preservation of pollution free environment at tourist destination..
Mr. Jora also asked for starting the construction work of Food Craft Institute at Leh. He said the phase 1st of this institution would be completed at an estimated cost of Rs. 5.83 crore. He said main objective for setting up of this institution is to train local youth in tourism and trade related activities to create skilled manpower for the hospitality and hotel industry of the area.




Jora appeals Selja for liberal assistance for tourism promotion

The Minister for Tourism & Culture Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora called upon the Union Minister for Tourism to provide all out support to J&K state for boosting tourism, which is the mainstay of the State’s economy. 
In a message, the J&K Tourism Minister while congratulating Ms. Kumari Selja for her re-induction in the Union Council of Minister has hoped that the state would get special consideration and financial support in the completion of left over projects and programmes undertaken in the tourism sector, adding that the Centre has all along helped the state in the promotion of tourism and related infrastructure. 
 “Establishment of a large number of Tourism Development Authorities is one such step which has helped the state greatly in development of tourism sector,” Mr. Jora emphasised. 
Mr. Jora also invited the Union Minister to visit Kashmir and also perform the annual yatra of the Holy Cave of Shri Amarnathji in the middle of this month.