Jammu, March 08 (KNS):Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today emphasized the government’s commitment to empower youth in border areas such as Karnah, Keran, Machhil, and Gurez by equipping them with vocational skills to promote tourism-driven economic growth.
He stated that unskilled youth from these regions would be provided training to acquire skills relevant to the tourism sector. The Chief Minister, who also holds the Tourism Department portfolio, made these remarks while responding to a question from MLA Karnah, Javid Ahmad Mirchal, regarding tourism promotion in border areas like Karnah. He highlighted that Karnah has immense tourism potential and stressed the need to further explore it.
“We believe that there is potential for tourism. We need to explore that potential. Recently, festivals were organized in Karnah—the Border Festival and Yoga Festival. The goal is to let people outside Jammu and Kashmir know about Karnah’s tourism potential and its culture. Thanks to these initiatives, we have started to see a gradual increase in tourism. For this reason, local people should benefit from tourism,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated in the Legislative Assembly.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that the tourism department has started registering paying guest houses and homestays in the area. “Currently, six homestays are registered in Karnah and five in Teetwal. I request the MLA to help us in this initiative. There is no point in bringing tourists if there are no places to host them,” he said, adding, “We do not want to build large hotels. If big hotels are built, local people will not benefit from them.”
He further stressed that the focus should be on homestays. "MLAs should help us and involve local people in this,” he added.
In response to another question, the Chief Minister informed the House that the government would identify unskilled youth in border areas like Karnah, Keran, Machhil, and Gurez for training in ITIs and the Institute of Hotel Management, Srinagar, to develop skills relevant to the tourism industry.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe reiterated that the government’s focus, as stated in his budget speech, is on skills and entrepreneurship to equip youth with the tools to build a successful future in Jammu and Kashmir.
Member Saifullah Mir suggested establishing a Tourism Development Authority to boost local tourism in these regions.
Earlier, the Chief Minister noted that Karnah is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and strategic location near the Line of Control (LoC). He highlighted the tourism potential in Teetwal, Karanoo in Nawagabra, and Budnambal villages, which are known for their natural beauty and cultural significance. These areas are ideal for nature tourism, adventure tourism, and cross-border heritage tourism.
The Department of Tourism has initiated efforts to bring these villages onto the tourist map. Additionally, the J&K Tourism Department has proposed the construction of a ‘Yatri Niwas’ at Sharda Temple in Teetwal, Kupwara, along with a cafeteria, to promote pilgrim tourism in the Karnah constituency. The project is currently underway, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) being prepared, and an estimated cost of Rs 150 lakh.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the successful organization of the Border Tourism Festival, held in Teetwal in September 2022, featuring cultural and musical events, an ATV rally from Kupwara to Teetwal, nature photography sessions, trekking, camping, and horse riding. In addition, a Yoga Festival was organized in collaboration with other departments in Teetwal on June 21, 2024, to further promote tourism in the area. (KNS)