Srinagar, May 25: Chairing 4th meeting of Sonmarg Development Authority (SDA) here on Wednesday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stressed the need on balancing economy with environmental needs.
  “While tourism potential of the State should be utilized to generate wide ranging economic activities to its optimum, the importance of preserving environment and natural grandeur must not lose the focus at any cost”, the Chief Minister told the SDA of which he is the Chairman also.
 Omar advised the authority to concentrate on feasible adventure and sports tourism nurturing water rafting, mountain biking, trekking and paragliding like activities in Sonmarg.
 He also underlined the importance of eco-friendly tourism for preserving State’s natural wealth and maintaining eco-balance.
 The meeting was attended by the Minister for Forests and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad, Minister for Tourism, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister of State for Tourism, Nasir Aslam Wani, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, B.B. Vyas, Commissioner-Secretary Tourism, Atul Duloo and various other senior officers.
 The Chief Minister approved Rs. 80 lakhs for the completion of Youth Hostel, Sonamarg Club, Yatri Niwas and Tourist Reception Centre. He fixed mid July for the completion of these buildings. He also approved Rs. 68 lakhs for black topping and other works of truck terminal besides giving nod to an expenditure of Rs. 1.29 crore for the interruption free power supply to Sonamarg.
 In a power point presentation, the Chief Executive Officer, Sonmarg Development Authority presented a resume of the action taken report on the decisions taken in 3rd Authority meeting.
 He said two projects namely Eco-Friendly Resort development in between Nilgrath and Sarbal villages involving Rs. 242.13 lakhs and Integrated Development of Tourist Infrastructure at a cost of Rs. 370.32 lakhs have been approved by the Union Ministry of Tourism. He said two more projects involving Rs. 1000 lakhs are in the pipe line.
 The meeting discussed upgradation of power supply, development of Thajwas, sanitation, completion of undergoing works, black topping of truck yard, power supply, central projects, opening of seasonal Jammu and Kashmir Bank branch at Sonamarg, setting up of Fire Services Station, environment impact assessment and action plan under State sector with Central financial assistance for the years 2010-11 and 2011-12.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 25 May 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 25 May 2011 18:30:00 GMT
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