Srinagar, Sep 7: Stating that economic welfare of Jammu and Kashmir is embedded in tourism, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday said that preservation and conservation of natural beauty and bio-diversity of the state is imperative for safeguarding this industry.
 “We have to transfer the natural resources God has bestowed upon us to the next generation in a better and preserved form to make the tourism sustain and percolate economic benefits to the people”, he said.
 Chairing the 7th meeting of Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) this afternoon, the Chief Minister said that the world famous Gulmarg demands additional attention by the departments concerned to maintain its grandeur and glory.
 The Chief Minister said that Gandola, golf course, winter sports and other attractions have added to the number of tourists to this world class resort. He asked the development authority to focus attention on upgrading facilities without tampering with natural phenomena and ambiance of this beautiful meadow surrounded by majestic mountains covered with forest wealth.
 He stressed the need for providing better sanitation facilities and disposal of garbage and waste in a scientific manner.
 Omar also emphasized on cleanliness of the area and management of tourist traffic in the area in a better manner.
 He said Gulmarg is also emerging as important Golf-Centre attracting golfers from all over the country. He said that golf events of National and International levels need to be organized at Gulmarg to showcase its this speciality.
 In a PowerPoint presentation, Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Development Authority, Mehmood Ahmad Shah said that the inflow of tourist to Gulmarg is showing increase year after year and during the current year about “15 lakh tourists have visited this place.”
 He said to manage the garbage and waste disposal the task has been outsourced since last year which has helped in improving the hygiene of the resort.
 The meeting discussed the agenda items and reviewed the action taken report on the decisions taken in 6th meeting of the GDA. The meeting also reviewed works programme for 2011-12 and annual plan proposals for 2012-13.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 7 Sep 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 7 Sep 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 8 Sep 2012 00:00:00 IST