National Conference leader and former MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi has appealed the Governor’s Administration to fulfil the long pending demand of the people of Gurez seeking a tourism development authority for the Himalayan valley.
Gurezi, according to a statement, appealed the GovernorSatya Pal Malik and his administration for notifying Gurez DevelopmentAuthority so that the required infrastructure building and promotion of tourismfor this Kishenganga valley is taken on the priority.
Gurez is a picturesque valley about 8,000 feet above sealevel on Himalayan Mountains in the northern Kashmir district of Bandipora. Itis about 123 kilometres from Srinagar on ancient Silk Road connecting Kashmirto Ladakh and Gilgit Baltistan and further to Central Asia. However, the roadconnectivity to the Gurez valley still remains disconnected for about sixmonths due to heavy snowfall in winters.
Officially Gurez has been brought on the tourism map ofKashmir in 2005. While the tourism department is organising a tourism festivalin Gurez every year for the promotion of tourism, however, Gurezi says adevelopment authority if given will help to develop this far-off region in more holistic way and help boosttourism.
Gurezi said besides having beautiful landscape and culture,Gurez has immense potential for adventure activities like trekking, white waterrafting, and mountain biking and camping.