Srinagar, May 18: Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora said that three tourism circuits would be developed-- one each in Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh regions-- for promotion of pilgrim tourism in the State.
He said the government has submitted detailed project reports of Rs. 150 crore in this regard to the Union Ministry of Tourism for approval.
He, according to an official statement, said the Centre in principle has agreed to provide funds to the State Government for creation of these circuits and the development of this tourism circuit would be taken up soon after receiving the nod from the Central Government.
This, according to the statement, was stated by the Minister today during his visit to Ziyarat Sharif Syed Mir Shamas-ud-Din Iraqi (RA) at Chadoora.
Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Science and Information Technology Aga Syed Ruhulla accompanied Jora during the visit.
The Ministers paid obeisance at Ziyarat Sharif and prayed for peace and prosperity of the state. Besides, he also took stock of proposed face lift and development work of the shrine.
  Jora said that Jammu and Kashmir has a distinct pilgrim and culture heritage, which would be explored fully by developing pilgrim sites and ensuring adequate infrastructure facilities for visiting pilgrims.
The Minister said that a Sufi circuit would be developed at a cost of Rs. 50 crore in Kashmir Valley. He said in Jammu province a pilgrim tourism circuit would also be developed at a cost of Rs. 50 crore, adding that Rs. 50 crore would be also expended on development of Buddhist circuit in Ladakh region.
Jora while taking stock of the proposed development and face lift works of Shrine of Syed Mir Shamas-ud-Din Iraqi (RA), said that development and renovation work of the shrine would be carried out in phased manner. He said this year the architecture work of interior portion of the shrine would be taken up, adding that development of park in shrine area and its fencing would be carried out next fiscal.
 He instructed Director Tourism Kashmir   Talat Parvez for formulation of detailed project report for funding and taking up the development works of the shrine. He also asked for consulting INTECH for carrying out architectural work of the shrine.
Director Tourism apprised the Minister about the works programme being carried out in the area.
Senior officers of Tourism Department and District Administration Budgam accompanied the Ministers during the tour.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 18 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 18 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 19 May 2012 00:00:00 IST