Jammu, July 16: The state government would shelve the plan to open up seven recognized trekking tracks closed in nineties as the Union Home Ministry did not given its clearance on grounds of security situation.
The tourism department had planned to open the trekking routes in Doda, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Poonch and Kashmir valley to attract the adventure tourists during this year.
Sources said the central government has withheld its clearance for now.
The government had identified tracks along Bangus, Gurez, Poonch, Rajouri, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah and Doda for creating infrastructure for holding adventure expeditions.
“We had already asked the central security agencies for   security clearance and will again take up the issue in due course of time,” said Rigzin Zora, tourism minister.
It is pertinent to mention that about three years back, the  state government had started trekking tours in Gulmarg, Aharbal and Sonmarg for the tourists and keeping in view immense response from the visitors, government had identified new areas, particularly in new districts.
“Some areas in Kashmir valley have been hosting trekking but it is still on small scale and if we get necessary clearance it can be exploited fully and advertised in proper way,” said Jora.
This year the state government had tied up with nearly 20 travel agencies to market Jammu and Kashmir across the world but the plan could not materialize following fresh spate of tension in the valley.
The state government had also invited private companies for developing required infrastructure on Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode to boost its public image and modernize its present infrastructure.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:00:00 IST